Ulcerative Colitis

Eventually they can increase in size to grow through the wall, eventually causing a blockage in the colon.

However, many times polyps or cancers of the colon and rectum fail to produce any symptoms at all.

When they do, the most common symptoms are painless rectal bleeding, or a change in bowel habits such as constipation, increased frequency or diarrhea.

However, it is unfortunately very common for these same symptoms to be disregarded by a patient with the admission, "Oh, I've had a continuous problem with hemorrhoids for years."Although it is true that there are many common, noncancerous conditions that can cause rectal bleeding, it should never be dismissed in those at risk by age or history without proper investigation.The concept of "screening" refers to using one or more tests to identify whether a person without any symptoms has a disease or condition that may lead to colorectal cancer.

"Surveillance" involves similar tests on people at higher risk such as those with pre...

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