Colon tumor discovered after abdominal pain for three weeks

A 54-year-old woman experienced pain in her right flank and tried over-the-counter medication for three weeks without relief. Instead, she experienced vomiting, pale skin, bowel disorders, and continued weight loss for unknown reasons. After visiting the hospital for an examination, a large tumor measuring 10×15 cm was discovered in her colon, causing semi-obstruction and necrosis, necessitating surgery.

On June 29, M.D. Nguyen Thanh Tam, Director of Surgery and Obstetrics at Tam Tri Da Nang General Hospital, led a team in a nearly 3-hour surgery to remove the giant right colon tumor along with a portion of the intestine. The patient underwent lymph node removal and retraining of digestive circulation during the procedure. After 5 days of monitoring and treatment, the patient showed gradual improvement and was discharged from the hospital.

Dr. Tam noted that colorectal tumors in younger individuals may not present symptoms until later stages when symptoms like abdominal pain, digestive disorders, and flank pain become more noticeable. It is important to seek medical attention promptly to avoid complications like ruptures, peritonitis, and death. Factors that increase the risk of developing colorectal tumors include age over 50, being overweight or a smoker, having a high-fat diet, or a personal or family history of tumors or colon cancer.

Regular colorectal cancer screening with internal digestive endoscopy can help detect and remove small polyps before they become cancerous. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating, and weakness should prompt a visit to the doctor for evaluation and personalized advice on maintaining health.