Cancer of the sigmoid colon is a type of colorectal cancer occurring in the final section of the large intestine. Symptoms include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, bloating, and fatigue. Early detection is crucial and often possible through screening, as many cancers develop from pre-cancerous polyps. Treatment typically involves surgery, with chemotherapy or radiation possibly used before or after to shrink the tumor or kill remaining cancer cells

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Cancer of the Sigmoid Colon – Overview, Symptoms & Treatment

Cancer of the sigmoid colon is a form of colorectal cancer that originates in the S-shaped final portion of the large intestine, just before the rectum. This area plays a key role in storing and moving stool, so tumors here often cause noticeable changes in bowel habits.

Symptoms

Sigmoid colon cancer can produce a combination of digestive and systemic symptoms. Common signs include:

  • Changes in bowel habits
    (diarrhea, constipation, narrowed stools, or alternating patterns)

  • Blood in the stool
    (bright red blood or dark, tar-like stools)

  • Abdominal discomfort
    such as cramping, pain, or a sense of incomplete evacuation

  • Bloating or gas

  • Unexplained fatigue or weakness
    often due to chronic blood loss leading to anemia

  • Unintentional weight loss (sometimes)

Because these symptoms can mimic common digestive issues, many patients ignore them initially—making awareness extremely important.

Causes & Risk Factors

Most sigmoid colon cancers originate from adenomatous polyps, which slowly evolve into malignant tumors over years. Risk factors include:

  • Age >50

  • Family history of colon cancer or polyps

  • Diet high in red/processed meat

  • Low fiber intake

  • Obesity and sedentary lifestyle

  • Smoking and heavy alcohol use

  • Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)

Importance of Early Detection

Early detection dramatically improves survival. Many cancers begin as pre-cancerous polyps, which can be removed during routine screening before they turn malignant.

Recommended Screening Tests:

  • Colonoscopy (gold standard)

  • FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test)

  • Stool DNA test

  • CT colonography

People with risk factors may require earlier or more frequent screenings.

Diagnosis

If symptoms or screening results raise suspicion, diagnostic steps include:

  • Colonoscopy with biopsy

  • CT scan / MRI to determine spread

  • Blood tests, including CEA (tumor marker)

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cancer stage but typically includes:

1. Surgery (Primary Treatment)

  • Removal of the affected sigmoid colon segment (sigmoid colectomy)

  • Nearby lymph nodes are also removed to check for spread

2. Chemotherapy

May be used:

  • Before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumor

  • After surgery (adjuvant) to destroy remaining cancer cells

Common regimens include FOLFOX, CAPOX, or 5-FU–based therapies.

3. Radiation Therapy

Less common for sigmoid tumors than rectal cancer, but may be used for:

  • Locally advanced tumors

  • Symptom relief

  • Pre-operative tumor shrinkage in select cases

4. Targeted & Immunotherapy

(for advanced or metastatic disease)
Such as EGFR inhibitors, VEGF inhibitors, or immune checkpoint inhibitors depending on genetic testing.

Prognosis

When detected early—especially before the cancer spreads—sigmoid colon cancer has a high survival rate. Regular screening, timely diagnosis, and modern treatment options significantly improve outcomes.

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