What is the The Difference between Colon Cancer and Ulcerative Colitis

The signs and symptoms of colon cancer and ulcerative colitis often confused by many – often leading one to think that a different disease may be present than actually is. However, if these bowel disorders are properly understood as an individual may be able to recognize that there are clear differences from one or another. Nevertheless, it is still important to undergo diagnostic examinations to determine what specific disease is manifested. Below, are images seen through colonoscopy of a healthy, cancerous colon and ulcerative colitis.

Healthy Colon

 

 

Colon Cancer:

 

Colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and yet the most misunderstood. This is because the symptoms are not necessarily present in the initial stage of the disease. Most often, the problem stays undetected until it is in the advanced stage. This common type of cancer is fatal, although it is highly preventable and curable if detected ahead of time.

Ulcerative Colitis

No one really knows the cause of ulcerative colitis, but it is regarded as an autoimmune disease, which the body’s immune system attacks itself. However, the reaction of the immune system is not only on the body, but it is triggered by the proliferation of yeast known as Candida albicans. Although Candida is a normal flora of the gut once it reaches the large intestines it becomes unwanted residents.  The Candida albicans causes severe inflammation of the colon and rectum accompanied by ulcers and open sores.

Colon Cancer vs. Ulcerative Colitis – The Differences and Similarities

Colon cancer usually starts as a polyp or an abnormal tumor growth on the wall of the colon. This usually grows slowly, takes years before it metastasizes and become apparent.

Ulcerative colitis as mentioned is the body’s immune system reaction to the proliferation of Candida albicans in the colon, which causes inflammation accompanied with ulcers and open sores.

  • Change in bowel habits either diarrhea and/or constipation. But constipation is more common.

  • Passage hematochezia or melena, depending on where the tumor is located in the colon.

  • Reduction of feces diameter – narrow stools

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Fatigue

  • Tenesmus

  • Bloated sensation

  • Diarrhea

  • Accompanied by febrile episodes

  • Hematochezia

  • Rectal bleeding

  • Anemia

  • Weight Loss – nutritional imbalance

  • Fatigue

  • Tenesmus

  • Other signs of infection

Acute and gripping in character

Abdominal pain that comes in waves – abdominal cramps

Notes

  • Signs and symptoms of both colon cancer and ulcerative colitis may include secondary symptoms, where both diseases may affect a certain individual in different ways.

  • Ulcerative colitis highly increases the risk of colon cancer, hence it is important to diagnose and treat this disorder to prevent the detrimental cancer.

  • Ulcerative colitis is not only confused with colon cancer, but is often confused with Crohn’s disease and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) because of the similarities in manifestations and often becomes difficult to diagnose.

Crohn’s disease – is an inflammatory disease but is usually confined in the small intestines.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome – is a functional disorder.

Final Thought

If you or someone you know manifest these signs and symptoms, nothing is better than seeking professional advice from health experts and undergoing diagnostic examinations. Awareness really matters. Having colon cancer doesn’t mean death. Many still manages to survive this dreaded disease. On the other hand, the only way to treat ulcerative colitis is getting rid of the yeast by involving the right diet along with the prescribed medication. Taking care of the body holistically is very essential to prevent the occurrence of bowel disorders. Take care of your body, have a healthy lifestyle and eat the right kind of foods.

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