What are the characteristics of abdominal pain in colorectal cancer?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Introduction
The abdominal pain associated with colorectal cancer generally includes characteristics such as dull pain, distension pain, cramping pain, aching pain, and increased pain during bowel movements. In the early stages of colorectal cancer, patients may experience mild abdominal discomfort or dull pain. As the tumor gradually grows within the intestinal lumen, it exerts traction, pressure, or irritation on the intestinal wall, stimulating nerve endings and causing abdominal pain. This pain is usually mild and occurs intermittently.
The characteristics of abdominal pain associated with colorectal cancer generally include dull pain, distension pain, colicky pain, aching pain, and increased pain during defecation. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Dull pain: In the early stages of colorectal cancer, patients may experience mild abdominal pain. As the tumor gradually grows within the intestinal lumen, it exerts traction, pressure, or irritation on the intestinal wall, stimulating nerve endings and causing dull abdominal pain. This type of pain is usually mild and intermittent, sometimes so subtle that patients may overlook it.
2. Distension pain: When the tumor reaches a certain size or causes intestinal narrowing, patients may develop abdominal distension pain. This sensation of distension is typically more pronounced and lasts longer, often accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.
3. Colicky pain: In the middle or advanced stages of colorectal cancer, the tumor may invade the muscular or serosal layers of the intestinal wall, causing strong contractions of the smooth muscle and intestinal spasms, which result in colicky pain. This type of pain is usually severe, occurs in paroxysmal episodes, and is more intense than dull or distension pain, often becoming intolerable for the patient.
4. Aching pain: Patients may also experience a persistent aching pain in the abdomen, with a relatively constant intensity. Although the pain remains steady, it causes continuous discomfort. A poor general health condition can intensify this discomfort and make the pain more pronounced.
5. Increased pain during defecation: During bowel movements, intestinal peristalsis propels feces out of the body, but the presence of a tumor can interfere with normal intestinal motility, increasing resistance during peristalsis and thereby exacerbating abdominal pain.
It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a hospital and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment to prevent worsening of the condition.
