Common colon problems usually include abnormal growth, anal fissure, inflammatory bowel diseases, diverticulosis and hemorrhoids. While these common colon problems can be easily treated with available treatment options, others like polyps can be severe and threatening because such colon problems may eventually lead to colon cancer.
Abnormal Cell Growth
Abnormal cell growth is one of the most common colon or rectum problems. Abnormal cell growth may range from non-cancerous to pre-cancerous or cancerous.
Pre-cancerous abnormal cell growth means that this problem can grow and may eventually become cancerous. One example of such is a polyp. Polyps usually develop on the lining of the rectum or cancer. Polyps vary in sizes from very small pinhead polyps to golf ball or even larger polyps. These are typically non-cancerous or pre-cancerous depending on the size.
Abnormal cell growth may also be cancerous. Colon cancer is a common cancer type that may strike people 50 years of age or older. This often consists of cancer cell growth on the lining inside the rectum or colon.
Anal Fissure
Anal fissure is another colon problem that may cause bleeding. It is a painful tear in the anus, usually experienced when the person has constipation or irregular bowel habits.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Some inflammatory bowel diseases can also affect or may hurt the colon and rectum. Examples of such are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. These diseases can cause diarrhea, bleeding and pain.
Diverticulitis
Another common colon problem is Diverticulitis. Sometimes, the colon wall can form pouches or sacs. These may become inflamed or may bleed and this condition is called diverticulitis. This disorder can cause extreme abdominal pain.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are considered as the most common colon problem. Hemorrhoids are a collection of swollen and inflamed veins in the anus or rectum. This disorder can cause itching and bleeding.
The above examples represent just a few of the more common disorders that can develop in the colon. If you see or experience any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, it would be best to consult your physician.
