A colon neoplasm is a tumor, or abnormal growth, that occurs in a part of the large intestine known as the colon. Neoplasia does not always mean cancer, because the term means new growth. The neoplastic cells that make up the growth can be benign or malignant, which is to say that they can be cancerous or noncancerous. Doctors can perform investigations to determine if a colon neoplasm is a benign or malignant tumor, and treatment will vary from case to case. A benign tumor can sometimes change to become malignant, and the most common colon cancer, adenocarcinoma, develops from benign tumors known as polyps.
The colon, along with the lower section of the intestine known as the rectum, is the part of the intestine where tumors are most likely to develop. A colorectal tumor is often found to be a benign lump called a polyp. This type of colon neoplasm exists in several different forms, with the adenomatous polyp being the most common. Although many people over the age of 50 have adenomatous polyps, only some of them are likely to develop into cancer.
A polyp is a fleshy growth that grows from the intestinal lining. It may not cause any symptoms, but bleeding from the rectum can sometimes occur. Occasionally this can cause the patient to develop anemia. Colon neoplasia may also be associated with symptoms of constipation or diarrhea, and if the tumor narrows the intestine, the stool may appear thinner than usual. Malignancy can cause similar problems, and if colon cancer progresses to an advanced stage, additional symptoms of decreased appetite, weight loss, pain, and intestinal blockage may occur.
Diagnosis of a colonic neoplasm usually involves a procedure known as a colonoscopy, where a flexible instrument with a camera is inserted into the colon through the rectum. In an alternative investigation, a capsule containing a small camera is swallowed and takes images of the intestine as it travels through the intestine. Stool tests may be done to look for blood in the stool, and blood tests may be done to check for anemia.
The treatment of a colon neoplasm depends on the type of tumor involved. Polyps grow and change slowly, so removing them during a colonoscopy or later operation prevents cancer from developing. If a colonic neoplasm has already become malignant, the tumor is usually removed surgically. When the cancer is in its early stages, this treatment may cure it, but more advanced cancers may not be curable. So the prognosis can be improved if chemotherapy and surgery are used.