Early symptoms of colorectal cancer
Disease description:
I have a friend who is in his thirties and was recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He is now hospitalized. May I ask what are the early symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Early symptoms of colorectal cancer include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal discomfort and pain, presence of abdominal masses, and changes in stool characteristics.
1. Changes in bowel habits: In early stages, colorectal cancer patients often experience increased or decreased frequency of bowel movements, as well as alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea.
2. Rectal bleeding: Patients may notice bright red or dark red blood in the stool; sometimes the blood mixes with stool, forming pus-filled or blood-mixed stools.
3. Abdominal discomfort and pain: Patients may experience dull, distended, or crampy abdominal pain, with possible shifting locations.
4. Abdominal mass: Some patients may feel an abdominal mass during early stages, typically located in the lower right abdomen or around the navel, characterized by a hard texture and uneven surface.
5. Changes in stool characteristics: As the tumor occupies intestinal space, it may cause the stool to become narrower or change shape, or result in mucus-filled stools.
If these symptoms appear, timely medical evaluation is necessary for early detection and treatment. Colonoscopy and pathological examinations can confirm the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
