Other symptoms
Unspecific further symptoms can also be a general reduction in performance and fatigue. The so-called B-symptomatics, which can occur in various types of cancer, can also occur in colorectal cancer. These include: The problem is that these symptoms are very uncharacteristic and can occur in different diseases.
This is why these symptoms are often not recognised in time as warning signals or are not correctly assessed. – a strong weight loss in a relatively short time (which is not self-induced)
- Fever and
- Night sweats during which even the night or bed linen is changed at night. – A general paleness in the context of anemia and possibly a slight fever can also occur.
The anemia can come in the context of blood loss during bowel movements. Bowel cancer usually causes pain only in later stages. These are usually localised in the abdominal area and can occur there in a small area as well as in the whole area.
Mostly the pain expresses itself with a dull character. In the advanced stages, however, stinging pain can also occur due to a narrowing of the intestine. If metastases already exist, they can also cause local pain.
A typical site in the body for this is the spine. Colon cancer causes changes in the intestinal mucosa and intestinal flora. The intestine is naturally colonised by bacteria that do not harm the intestine and support the absorption of certain components from food.
In the context of colorectal cancer, the balance between the bacteria and the intestine can be disturbed. As a result, more gas is released and flatulence occurs. These can also manifest themselves as loud intestinal noises and often occur at the same time as mucus and blood deposits in the stool.
Mucus in the stool can occur as a symptom of intestinal cancer, but is not an obligatory (mandatory) sign of the disease. A healthy intestine also produces mucus to make the stool more slippery. However, these small amounts of mucus are usually not visible in the toilet after the bowel movement.
Large amounts of mucus can indicate a variety of intestinal diseases. It is not always a malignant disease. With intestinal cancer, different types of cancer can also be distinguished.
Depending on which original cell degenerates and further develops into a tumour, the tumour shows different characteristics. Accordingly, not all types of cancer lead to increased mucus production. In colorectal cancer, blood is often found in the stool in addition to mucus.
The mucus is not only removed during bowel movement but also in between. This is very unpleasant for the affected persons. If unusually large amounts of mucus are noticed, a visit to a doctor is recommended to clarify the exact cause of this symptom.
In advanced stages of intestinal cancer, nausea and vomiting may occur. The tumorous growths cause increased disturbances of the intestinal passage. Food accumulates over a longer period of time, as it is only slowly pushed forward through the intestine.
Depending on the fullness condition of the intestine, this can lead to nausea and resulting vomiting. Night sweat, along with fever and unintentional weight loss, belongs to the so-called B-symptoms. One speaks of night sweat when the affected person sweats so heavily at night that he or she has to change, for example, a completely soaked top or even change the bedding.
Night sweat can occur as a symptom in all malignant diseases, including intestinal cancer. It is caused by a disturbance in normal temperature regulation, for example by the release of certain messenger substances by tumours. Night sweat, however, can also occur without any disease value or in the context of other diseases, for example infections or autoimmune diseases.
If night sweat occurs suddenly and over a longer period of time, a medical examination is recommended. This is especially true if other symptoms are added to the night sweat, for example unintentional weight loss or – with regard to intestinal cancer – blood in the stool, changing stool habits or bruising. In advanced stages, bowel cancer can also lead to back pain.
This is most often the case when bone metastases have formed, i.e. the cancer has spread to the spine. Depending on where exactly the metastasis is located, this can lead to more or less severe pain and restricted mobility. Very large tumours also compress their surroundings and can press on nerves and neighbouring organs.
Depending on their location, this can also cause back pain. However, back pain is not a common symptom of colorectal cancer. Much more frequent are blood and mucus in the stool, as well as changing stool habits. Back pain is much more often caused by poor posture and wear and tear and is therefore more likely to be caused by the musculoskeletal system. However, it cannot be ruled out that a malignant disease is behind the complaints without a thorough medical examination.
