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Location and Function of the colon in the body
The Large Intestine
The large intestine is a part of the gastrointestinal tract and has two main purposes:- to absorb water and nutrients from food
- to pass out the remaining waste products from your body in the form of stools.
The large intestine is made up of five parts:
- Ascending colon - running from the end of the small intestine and up the right-hand side of the abdomen.
- Transverse colon - running under the stomach and across the body from right to left.
- Descending colon - running down the left-hand side of the abdomen.
- Sigmoid colon - this is a ‘S' shaped bend that connects the descending colon to the rectum (back passage).
- Rectum - this is the last section of the large intestine; it is a small pocket that is connected to the outside opening of the bowel (the anus) through which stools are passed.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
The majority of colorectal cancers arise from a non-malignant growth or polyp on the wall of the large intestine. Polyps look like cherries on stalks and can be common in older people. Most polyps are not cancerous.
However in some cases these polyps can develop and have the potential to increase in size and undergo a series of changes within the cells. This can result in the cells becoming abnormal in function, structure and shape. This is commonly referred to as malignancy or a cancer.
If these cancers are left untreated they can grow into the wall of the large intestine or rectum. Once cancer cells are in the wall they can travel into the blood system and then into other parts of the body. The most common organs that colorectal cancer cells spread to are the lymph nodes, the liver and lungs.
However in some cases these polyps can develop and have the potential to increase in size and undergo a series of changes within the cells. This can result in the cells becoming abnormal in function, structure and shape. This is commonly referred to as malignancy or a cancer.
If these cancers are left untreated they can grow into the wall of the large intestine or rectum. Once cancer cells are in the wall they can travel into the blood system and then into other parts of the body. The most common organs that colorectal cancer cells spread to are the lymph nodes, the liver and lungs.
A Polyp
Cross Section
of Polyp
X Ray Film of colon
