- To digest and absorb nutrients from food
- To concentrate fecal material by absorbing fluid (and electrolytes) from it
- To store and control evacuation of fecal material.
The right side of your colon plays a major role in absorbing water and electrolytes, while the left side is responsible for storage and evacuation of stool.
Cancer of the colon can invade and damage adjacent tissues and organs. The spread of colon cancer to distant organs is called metastasis of the colon cancer. Once metastasis has occurred in colorectal cancer, a complete cure of the cancer is unlikely.
Symptoms: They include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, change in bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, red or dark blood in stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating. Other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (spastic colon), ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulosis, and peptic ulcer disease can have symptoms that mimic colorectal cancer.
Rectal Cancer: The rectum is the lower part of the colon that connects the large bowel to the anus. The rectum's primary function is to store formed stool in preparation for evacuation. Like the colon, the3 layers of the rectal wall are as follows:
- Mucosa: This layer of the rectal wall lines the inner surface. The mucosa is composed of glands that secrete mucus to help the passage of stool.
- Muscularis propria: This middle layer of the rectal wall is composed of muscles that help the rectum keep its shape and contract in a coordinated fashion to expel stool.
- Mesorectum: This fatty tissue surrounds the rectum.
Rectal cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop in the tissue of the rectum.Although rectal cancer is a life-threatening disease, it is a highly curable form of cancer if found early. Therefore, regular check-ups and screenings are very important.
Symptoms:
- A change in bowel habits
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
- Blood, either bright red or very dark in the stool
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- General abdominal discomfort such as frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness or cramps
- Weight loss with no known reason
- Constant tiredness
- Vomiting