Poop Changes in Regional Colon Cancer
By stage three, colon cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes. At this stage, bowel changes often become more noticeable as the tumor grows deeper into the intestinal wall:
- Constipation: Caused by partial blockages slowing stool movement.
- Diarrhea: Occurs when fluids bypass a blockage.
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea: A pattern that can signal a more serious issue.
- Blood in stool (hematochezia): May appear bright red or darker depending on tumor location.
- Tenesmus: Becomes more persistent as inflammation increases.
- Abdominal bloating and cramping: Caused by trapped gas due to narrowing of the bowel.
- Iron deficiency anemia symptoms: Nearly half of colon cancer patients develop anemia.
For illustrative purposes only
As tumors grow, scar tissue and strictures may form, sometimes leading to partial or complete bowel obstruction. Even if blood isn’t visible in your stool, internal bleeding may still be occurring.
