colon carcinoma

Last reviewed 04/2023

The symptoms of cancer of the colon differ according to the part of the colon affected and the type of tumour, but pain is common to all types. Unexplained weakness and anaemia are characteristic of right colonic carcinoma whilst a change in bowel habit feature in left colonic carcinoma.

The majority of colon cancers are found in the sigmoid colon and at the rectosigmoid junction. These cancers are usually small, annular and ulcerated. The next common site is the caecum, where the tumours tend to be bulky and papilloform.