Sigmoid swelling: symptoms, stages, treatment, prognosis

Sigmoid colon cancer refers to diseases that occur frequently enough and are classified as dangerous malignant tumors. This disease is characterized by the emergence of uncontrolled multiplying cells that can penetrate into a number of located tissues and metastasize.

What is the sigmoid colon

The sigmoid colon is the part of the intestine. It runs almost to the rectum. It is in it is the formation of stool and the absorption of nutrients.

Swelling of the sigmoid colon belongs to the most frequent malignant neoplasms, which is caused by the anatomical structure of this area. Fecal masses become much thicker, so the mucosa for a long time contacts toxic substances. As a result of the interaction with the intestinal tissues, the formation of polyps that hang in the lumen of the intestine, and fuzzy, pink-red tumors, the surface of which is velvety, is possible.

Feature of the disease

Malignant tumor of the sigmoid colon belongs to neoplasms that are formed on the tissues of the sigmoid region of the intestine. This gut is located in front of the rectum. It is in this department that the stool masses form. If in the body there is a violation of the digestive process, the stools remain for a long time in the sigmoid colon, as a result of which it stretches, changes its location and becomes more voluminous.

As a result of the delay of stool mass, intoxication of the body occurs, and there is a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen and discomfort. The tumor of the sigmoid colon at the initial stage does not manifest itself at all, which is very dangerous. Symptom begins to appear only when the disease is in the last stages. Therefore, if there is discomfort in the area of ​​the intestine and the presence of characteristic symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor, as the disease can lead to the death of the patient.

Classification of tumor type

Benign tumor of the sigmoid colon can eventually develop into a malignant tumor. Among the main types of this disease can be identified such:

• mucosal adenocarcinoma;
• is highly differentiated;
• is moderately differentiated;
• cyst-cell carcinoma.

The most aggressive form of malignant neoplasm is considered to be a low-grade adenocarcinoma. It has a very pronounced symptomatology and rapid development.

Stages of the disease

There are several stages of the tumor of the sigmoid colon, which are characterized by various symptoms. At the first stage the tumor is small and located only in the mucous membrane. With timely treatment, the prognosis is quite good, and a person can live more than 5 years.

In the second stage, the tumor sprouts into the intestinal wall, its size increases, but there are no metastases. In the third stage, the malignant neoplasm spreads to half the diameter of the sigmoid colon, and metastases to the lymph nodes begin to form. The prognosis of survival after treatment is less than 50%.

Tumor of the sigmoid colon of the 4th stage is characterized by the germination of malignant neoplasm in other organs and tissues and the formation of metastases. At this stage, the treatment is quite complicated.

Causes of

Modern medicine has stepped far ahead in determining the underlying cause of this disease. On this depends largely on the method of therapy, as well as the outcome of the treatment. There are certain risk factors that affect the onset of cancer of the sigmoid colon, in particular such as:

• hereditary factor;
• food features;
• presence of bad habits;
• chronic inflammatory processes.

The most common disease is associated with a hereditary factor. That is why, in the presence of this disease in close relatives, you need to undergo a periodic examination at the doctor, especially during puberty, so that you can detect the pathological process at a stage when the tumor is benign.

To lead to the onset of the disease can be malnutrition, in particular the consumption of fast food, foods high in carcinogens, as well as the abuse of alcohol and tobacco. All this provokes the formation of toxic substances in the body, which, when penetrated into the intestine, provoke the inhibition of beneficial microflora, which causes inflammatory processes in the stomach and intestines.

Chronic inflammatory processes lead to significant changes in the intestinal mucosa. In the risk zone are people suffering from peptic ulcer and colitis. They can provoke complications in the form of malignant neoplasms.

The main symptoms of

Symptoms of swelling of the sigmoid colon appear at later stages, so it is very difficult to recognize and treat the disease in a timely manner. Among the first signs can be identified the occurrence of bleeding, which can be due to trauma to the formation of newborns by the calves.

Often there is a degeneration of a fleecy spongy tumor, resulting in an inflammatory process. Metastasis of the tumor of the sigmoid colon is often observed in the elderly. The asymptomatic course of oncological processes is always dangerous for a person, since the first signs appear already in the most recent stages, and this threatens with dangerous complications and poses a threat to life.

Soreal swelling of the sigmoid colon at the initial stage can be detected during preventive measures and analysis. She, as well as polyps, responds well to therapy and gives good enough predictions after surgery. They need to be removed only in case of benign course of the disease, in order to prevent the transition to a malignant tumor.

With careful and careful attitude to their own health, it is possible to suspect the presence of signs of a malignant neoplasm. Symptomatics in this case will be characteristic of the entire intestine and prolonged. It is necessary to consult a doctor if there are such symptoms as:

• digestion disorders;
• bloating and belching;
• sensation of tension in the peritoneum;
• presence of purulent accumulation in fecal masses;
• painful sensations.

If there is a suspicion of a malignant tumor, one can not ignore the deterioration of well-being, since they can point to the 3rd stage of the disease. The patient gets a gray shade in the patient, anemia occurs, body weight decreases, he quickly becomes tired and weak.

In women, the symptomatology may be similar to the signs of cystitis, as well as the inflammatory processes of the genito-urinary organs, as well as ovarian cancer.

Diagnosis of

Instrumental studies will help to determine the cause and stage of malignant neoplasm. Diagnostic measures include studies by which the doctor can identify a clinical picture of the course of the disease, on the basis of which the scheme of therapy is determined. Initially, he asks the patient about the available complaints, characteristic signs and localization of painful sensations.

Since the sigmoid colon is located in the left part of the peritoneum, the painful sensations are mostly concentrated in this area. After that, the doctor performs palpation of the abdomen, and if the malignant tumor is large, then it is felt. Then the doctor appoints a number of instrumental and laboratory studies, in particular such as:

• colonoscopy;
• Irrigoscopy;
• tomogram;
• laboratory diagnostics.

In malignant neoplasm, the patient is shown to have a colonoscopy, which is performed using a special device - a colonoscope. This tool is a flexible and thin tube, equipped with a small video camera at the end, which makes it possible to see the state of the affected organ on the computer monitor. The doctor examines the affected area of ​​the intestine, determining the presence of neoplasms, their location, and dimensions. Biopsy material is taken during the study.

Irrigoscopy, or X-ray, is characterized by the fact that images of the peritoneal region are taken on which the tumor is visualized. For this study, a contrast agent is injected into the intestine beforehand, making it possible to make more accurate and clear pictures.

Computer and magnetic resonance imaging is assigned to patients who are suspected of having a tumor. These studies can determine the size of the tumor, its location, how much the bowel and adjacent organs are affected.

In addition, laboratory diagnostics is carried out. The patient delivers a number of required tests, in particular blood tests, urine and feces for the presence of impurities of blood and pus in case of damage to the malignant cells of the kidneys and the genitourinary system.

Features of

treatment Sigmoid colon tumors are treated exclusively by surgery. Endoscopic techniques are considered the most effective methods. Laparoscopy helps not only to reduce the level of trauma from surgical intervention, but also to prevent the emergence of complications in the form of infection or bleeding. In addition, if the swelling of the sigmoid colon is removed with the help of endoscopic techniques, the terms of the rehabilitation period are significantly shortened. In a few days a person can already return to the usual way of life.

With the help of endoscopy, it is possible to remove the affected area of ​​the intestine through a small incision, while protecting a number of located organs from damage by malignant cells.

In the initial stages of the disease, the removal of the sigmoid colon tumor is performed during a colonoscopy. In this case, it is very well combined with electroplasma coagulation. Endoscopic techniques are used mainly in elderly people who are in very serious condition. This is due to the fact that people in this state simply can not stand the standard surgical intervention, implying a dissection of the abdominal wall.

Depending on the peculiarity of the tumor of the sigmoid colon, the operation can be carried out in different ways and its tactics change during the intervention. In this case, great importance is in what state is the intestine. If a young patient and his condition is stable, then doctors recommend a standard operation with the removal of a large part of the intestine.

If a large sigmoid colon tumor is observed, the operation is not performed by the standard method. Such patients are shown palliative intervention, directed not at treating the patient, but only to alleviate his condition. If there is an obstruction of the intestine, a colostomy is formed.

At the advanced stage of the disease, removal of the tumor of the sigmoid colon is not performed, but chemotherapy sessions are prescribed. In addition, chemotherapy is prescribed to the patient and after surgery to restore the normal process of urination and defecation. Radiation therapy is rarely used, as there may be a rupture of the intestinal wall, since this malignant neoplasm is very sensitive to radiation.

Compliance with the

diet For malignant growth with localization in the intestinal area, the patient is assigned a fractional diet 5-6 times a day. Dishes are served exclusively in warm and frayed form.

The diet after the surgical intervention consists exclusively of juices, liquid vegetable purees and herbal decoctions. This diet should be for 5-6 days. Consumption of any food should be strictly coordinated with the doctor. The subsequent diet for malignant neoplasms implies a decrease in the amount of meat consumed or a complete exclusion of it, fried foods, canned food, confectionery, and semi-finished products. It is necessary to exclude from the usual diet acute and solid foods.

It is necessary to consume only natural fresh products, in particular vegetables, fruits and cereals. The food should be balanced, full, not containing rough inclusions. It is best to consume as many light meals as possible. In a month you can gradually include in your diet lean varieties of meat and fish, various sour-milk products.

Traditional Therapy Techniques

Therapy of bowel cancer by the use of folk techniques complements the surgical procedure, as well as chemotherapy. Folk methods in malignant tumors help to strengthen the immune system, ease the state of health after chemotherapy, normalize the functioning of the intestine, prolong the patient's life. Treatment with folk remedies and techniques implies the use of:

• poisonous herbs;
• tinctures on alcohol;
• soda, minerals, goji berries.

Complex therapy of cancerous tumors of the sigmoid colon gives a good chance for a successful and rapid recovery. Folk antitumor drugs are included in complex therapy and help to normalize the patient after the operation and the course of chemotherapy. It is important to remember that many herbs are highly poisonous, so strict adherence to the formulation of the preparation is required.

Survival prognosis

For sigmoid colon tumors, the prognosis depends largely on the stage of the disease, as well as the characteristics of the malignant lesion. The survival prognosis depends on several factors, in particular such as: the

• stage of cancer;
• the age of the patient and the severity of his condition;
• are there any additional diseases.

Malignant tumor manifests itself at later stages, and in this case the course of the disease has a very unfavorable prognosis. In this case, patients are not surgically treated, and they can only count on the effect of chemotherapy.

Very important is the presence or absence of lymph node metastases. In the absence of metastases in the patient's body, the prognosis is good enough and the survival rate is high. If the patient has metastases, only a few patients survive the 5-year period.

Preventive measures

To prevent the occurrence of a tumor, it is necessary to worry about preventive measures. To do this, it is necessary to adhere to the correct diet, timely to conduct therapy of inflammatory processes, to lead an active lifestyle, to regularly undergo examination, and to abandon bad habits.

In addition, if there are problems with the digestive tract, it is necessary to undergo a periodic examination to detect the problem in time.