Are intestinal obstructions an early symptom of colon cancer?
Colonic obstruction, or blockage of the passing of stool and gas through the colon, is a late symptom of colon cancer. It occurs when the tumor has grown so large that it blocks the bowel. When it occurs, urgent surgery is often required. Screening for colon cancer with colonoscopy can detect tumors long before they cause any symptoms, let alone serious complications like obstruction. Obstruction may also be the symptom of other problems, such as scar tissue in the abdomen or narrowing of the bowel from a variety of causes.
Colonic obstruction is a late symptom of colon cancer. It occurs when the tumor has grown so large that it blocks the bowel. When it occurs, urgent surgery is required to relieve the blockage. Screening for colon cancer with colonoscopy can detect tumors long before they cause symptoms, let alone serious complications like obstruction.
