Colon Cancer Weird Symptoms (& Why They Occur)

JJ Medicine
24 Oct 202312:10
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video lesson delves into the less common, yet significant signs and symptoms of colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer. It explains that colon cancer affects the large intestine and rectum and is the third to fourth most common type of cancer. Risk factors include older age, low fiber intake, family history, and a history of inflammatory bowel disease. While typical symptoms encompass abdominal pain, bowel habit changes, and weight loss, the video focuses on atypical symptoms such as abdominal distension due to bowel obstruction, obstipation, and constipation. It also discusses the presence of melena and hematochezia, which are indicators of bleeding from the cancerous lesion. The video highlights the importance of recognizing iron deficiency anemia as a potential sign of colon cancer, along with dermatological findings like acanthosis nigricans and the Leser-Trélat sign. It concludes by mentioning other rare symptoms like endocarditis and gas gangrene associated with specific bacterial infections, and the increased risk of colon cancer in patients with a history of diverticulitis.

Takeaways
  • 🌟 Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, affects the large intestine and rectum and is the third to fourth most common type of cancer.
  • 🎯 Risk factors for colon cancer include older age, low fiber intake, family history, history of inflammatory bowel disease, alcohol consumption, and others.
  • 🔍 Typical symptoms of colon cancer encompass abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), stool caliber changes, weight loss, and fatigue.
  • 🌈 Atypical symptoms can include abdominal distension due to bowel obstruction, obstipation, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and a frequent urge to defecate known as tenesmus.
  • 🩸 Bleeding from a cancerous lesion can result in melena (black, tarry stools) and hematochezia (bright red blood in the stool), which are more common symptoms.
  • 🚨 Iron deficiency anemia can occur due to blood loss from the cancer, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and specific signs like angular cheilitis and koilonychia.
  • 🦠 Endocarditis and bacteremia caused by Streptococcus bovis, a bacteria that resides in the large intestine, can be a rare but significant indicator of colon cancer.
  • ⚠️ Clostridium septicum infection leading to Gas Gangrene and diverticulitis that mimics symptoms of colon cancer are also associated with an increased risk for the disease.
  • 🔵 Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) and ascites (abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation) can be signs of metastatic colorectal carcinoma, indicating advanced cancer stages.
  • 🏥 Acanthosis nigricans, characterized by thickened, hyperpigmented skin lesions, and the Leser-Trélat sign, which involves a sudden onset of numerous seborrheic keratoses that are itchy, can be dermatological signs of colon cancer.
  • 📚 It's crucial to be aware of both typical and atypical symptoms of colon cancer, as early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Q & A

  • What is colon cancer?

    -Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the large intestine and/or rectum. It is the third to fourth most common type of cancer.

  • What are some risk factors for colon cancer?

    -Risk factors for colon cancer include older age, low fiber intake, family history, history of inflammatory bowel disease (like ulcerative colitis), alcohol consumption, and other lifestyle factors.

  • What are typical symptoms of colon cancer?

    -Typical symptoms of colon cancer include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits (such as constipation or diarrhea), stool caliber changes (like pencil-shaped stool), weight loss, and fatigue.

  • What is meant by atypical or weird symptoms of colon cancer?

    -Atypical or weird symptoms of colon cancer are less common but can be significant. They include abdominal distension, obstipation, constipation, nausea and vomiting, tenesmus, rectal pressure or pain, and changes in stool such as melena (black, tarry stools) and hematochezia (bright red blood in the stool).

  • What is the connection between colon cancer and iron deficiency anemia?

    -Colon cancer can lead to bleeding from a cancerous lesion, which can result in iron deficiency anemia. This occurs because the body uses up iron to replace the red blood cells lost due to bleeding, leading to a shortage of iron in the body.

  • What are some signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?

    -Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include shortness of breath, fatigue, angular cheilitis (cracked and inflamed lips), koilonychia (spoon-shaped nails), and restless leg syndrome.

  • How is endocarditis related to colon cancer?

    -Endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart's inner lining, can be related to colon cancer through an infection with Streptococcus bovis or gallolyticus, which resides in the large intestine. If a cancerous growth allows this bacteria to enter the bloodstream, it can cause endocarditis.

  • What is Gas Gangrene and how is it associated with colon cancer?

    -Gas Gangrene is a serious infection that occurs when bacteria enter the body and produce toxins that can damage tissue. It can be associated with colon cancer due to an infection with Clostridium septicum, which can occur in individuals with colon cancer.

  • What is hepatomegaly and how is it related to colon cancer?

    -Hepatomegaly refers to an enlarged liver, which can be a result of metastasis from colon cancer to the liver. This indicates that the cancer has spread from the colon to the liver, which is a common site for metastatic colorectal carcinoma.

  • What are some dermatological findings associated with colon cancer?

    -Dermatological findings associated with colon cancer include acanthosis nigricans (thickened, hyperpigmented skin lesions) and the Leser-Trélat sign (a sudden onset of multiple seborrheic keratoses that are itchy and increase rapidly in size and number).

  • What is the significance of observing unusual symptoms in the context of colon cancer?

    -Observing unusual symptoms is significant because it can prompt further investigation into the possibility of colon cancer, especially when these symptoms are associated with known risk factors or when typical symptoms are absent or overlooked.

  • Why is it important to differentiate between symptoms of colon cancer and other conditions?

    -Differentiating between symptoms of colon cancer and other conditions is important for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Some symptoms, like changes in stool or abdominal pain, can be indicative of various gastrointestinal issues, so proper evaluation is crucial to determine the correct cause and initiate appropriate therapy.

Outlines
00:00
😀 Understanding Colon Cancer and Its Atypical Symptoms

This paragraph introduces the topic of colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, which affects the large intestine and rectum. It is the third to fourth most common type of cancer with risk factors including older age, low fiber intake, family history, and inflammatory bowel disease. Typical symptoms encompass abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, stool caliber changes, weight loss, and fatigue. The paragraph then transitions into discussing atypical or 'weird' symptoms such as abdominal distension due to bowel obstruction, obstipation, constipation, nausea, vomiting, tenesmus (frequent urge to defecate), rectal pressure or pain, and bleeding from the cancerous lesion, which can manifest as melena (black, tarry stools) and hematochezia (bright red blood in the stool).

05:02
🤕 Iron Deficiency Anemia and Other Uncommon Symptoms of Colon Cancer

The second paragraph delves into less common symptoms of colon cancer, starting with iron deficiency anemia which can result from blood loss due to cancer. It discusses how this anemia presents with symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, angular cheilitis (cracked and inflamed lips), koilonychia (spoon-shaped nails), and restless leg syndrome. It also touches on the rare but serious condition of endocarditis caused by Streptococcus bovis, a bacterium that can originate from a cancerous growth in the large intestine and spread to the heart. Additionally, it mentions the risk of clostridium septicum infection leading to Gas Gangrene, and the increased risk of colon cancer in patients with a history of diverticulitis. The paragraph highlights hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) and ascites (abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation) as signs of metastatic colon cancer, particularly to the liver.

10:03
🧪 Dermatological Manifestations of Colon Cancer

The final paragraph focuses on dermatological signs associated with colon cancer. It discusses acanthosis nigricans, which are thickened, hyperpigmented skin lesions commonly found in areas where skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. These lesions are also seen in conditions like insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, but in the context of colon cancer, they are less likely. The paragraph also describes the Leser-Trélat sign, characterized by a sudden onset of numerous seborrheic keratoses, which are benign skin lesions that can appear worrisome. However, when associated with colon cancer, these lesions are pruritic (itchy), increase rapidly in size and number, and represent a significant finding that should prompt further investigation.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Colon Cancer
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, refers to cancer that originates in the large intestine or rectum. It is the third to fourth most common type of cancer and is characterized by the formation of malignant tumors that can obstruct the intestine and lead to various symptoms. In the video, it is the central theme, with discussions on its atypical signs and symptoms, risk factors, and potential complications.
💡Risk Factors
Risk factors are conditions or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing a disease. For colon cancer, the video mentions older age, low fiber intake, family history, history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), alcohol consumption, and others as contributing factors. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for prevention and early detection of colon cancer.
💡Abdominal Distension
Abdominal distension refers to a swollen or protruding abdomen, which can be a sign of a bowel obstruction caused by a large tumor in the colon. In the context of the video, it is presented as an atypical symptom of colon cancer where the buildup of gastrointestinal contents and air leads to a visibly distended abdomen.
💡Obstipation
Obstipation is a condition where an individual is unable to pass any gas or stool, often due to a bowel obstruction. The video describes it as a potential symptom of colon cancer when a tumor blocks the passage of stool and gas through the intestine, leading to severe constipation and discomfort.
💡Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that occur when there is a blockage in the large intestine due to colon cancer. As described in the video, the backup of gastrointestinal contents and the slowing of gastric emptying can result in feelings of nausea and may lead to vomiting, indicating a serious digestive issue.
💡Tenias
Tenias, also known as tenesmus, is a frequent urge to defecate despite the absence of stool. The video explains that this sensation, along with a feeling of incomplete evacuation, can be caused by rectal cancer, as the cancerous growth in the rectum creates pressure and the false need to defecate.
💡Melena and Hematochezia
Melena refers to black, tarry stools often resulting from the digestion of blood from higher up in the gastrointestinal tract, while hematochezia is the presence of bright red blood in the stool, typically from lesions closer to the rectum. Both are mentioned in the video as symptoms of colon cancer due to bleeding from the cancerous lesion.
💡Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that arises from a lack of iron in the body, which can be caused by blood loss, including that from colon cancer. The video discusses how blood loss from the cancer can lead to an increase in red blood cell production, which in turn consumes iron, leading to anemia. Symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue and shortness of breath, are also mentioned.
💡Endocarditis
Endocarditis is an inflammation of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves. The video highlights it as a rare but significant symptom associated with colon cancer, particularly when caused by a bacterial infection from Streptococcus bovis, which can enter the bloodstream from a cancerous site in the colon.
💡Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is the inflammation of diverticula, which are small pouches that can form in the colon. The video explains that diverticulitis can be a symptom of colon cancer and that a history of diverticulitis increases the risk for developing colon cancer. It is important to differentiate between the two conditions due to their different implications for treatment and prognosis.
💡Hepomegaly
Hepomegaly refers to an enlarged liver, which can be a sign of liver metastasis from colon cancer. As described in the video, cancer cells can spread from the colon to the liver, resulting in an enlarged liver and indicating a more advanced stage of cancer. This is a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention.
💡Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition characterized by thickened, hyperpigmented skin lesions, often found in areas where skin folds or meets. The video mentions it as a dermatological finding that can be associated with colon cancer, although it is more commonly linked to conditions like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
💡Lesser-Treanor Sign
Lesser-Treanor sign refers to the sudden onset of multiple seborrheic keratoses, a type of benign skin lesion. The video explains that while these lesions are generally associated with aging, a sudden appearance of itchy seborrheic keratoses can be indicative of an underlying condition such as colon cancer, highlighting the importance of medical evaluation for new skin symptoms.
Highlights

Colon cancer is the third to fourth most common type of cancer.

Risk factors for colon cancer include older age, low fiber intake, family history, and history of inflammatory bowel disease.

Typical symptoms of colon cancer include abdominal pain, bowel habit changes, stool caliber changes, weight loss, and fatigue.

Abdominal distension can be a sign of colon cancer due to a bowel obstruction.

Obstipation and constipation are symptoms that may indicate a large bowel obstruction from colon cancer.

Nausea and vomiting can result from the backup of gastrointestinal contents due to a large bowel obstruction.

Tenias, a frequent urge to defecate, can be an atypical symptom of rectal cancer.

Melena (black, tarry stools) and hematochezia (bright red blood in the stool) are signs of bleeding from a cancerous lesion.

Iron deficiency anemia can occur in colon cancer patients due to blood loss from the cancer.

Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include shortness of breath, fatigue, angular cheilitis, koilonychia, and restless leg syndrome.

Endocarditis caused by Streptococcus bovis is a rare but significant symptom that can indicate colon cancer.

Gas gangrene can occur in patients with colon cancer due to infection with Clostridium septicum.

Diverticulitis can be mistaken for colon cancer, and a history of diverticulitis increases the risk for colon cancer.

Hepomegaly, or an enlarged liver, can be a sign of metastatic colorectal carcinoma in stage four colon cancer.

Ascites, or abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation, can be caused by liver dysfunction or metastases to the peritoneum.

Acanthosis nigricans, thickened hyperpigmented skin lesions, can be associated with colon cancer and other medical conditions.

Lesser-Trélat sign, a sudden onset of multiple seborrheic keratoses that are itchy, can be a dermatological finding of colon cancer.

Transcripts

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Colon CancerAtypical SymptomsAbdominal DistensionObstipationStool ChangesWeight LossFatigueBowel ObstructionRectal PressureIron DeficiencyAnemiaEndocarditisDiverticulitisHepomegalySkin LesionsAcanthosis NigerLesser TR La Sign