Does colon cancer affect red blood cells?
Does colon cancer affect red blood cells?
Colon cancer is caused by abnormal growth of cells in the large intestine (colon). These cells often form tumors on or in blood vessels in the colon that carry red blood cells. Research suggests that these tumors can cause bleeding and a loss of healthy red blood cells, which commonly causes anemia.
What stage of colon cancer causes anemia?
CRC patients frequently have anemia at the time of the diagnosis, and anemia is one of the reasons why CRC patients enter the primary care2. Previously, anemia has been reported to be more common in CRC patients with tumors in proximal colon and of advanced stage3–6.
Does colon cancer cause low hemoglobin?
A new study shows that most patients with colon cancer have a history of consistently declining hemoglobin levels up to four years before being diagnosed with the disease. Anemia, a common blood disorder characterized by low hemoglobin levels, has long been associated with those suffering from colorectal cancer.
Is anemia a symptom of bowel cancer?
Although most people with bowel cancer do not have symptoms of anaemia, they may lack iron as a result of bleeding from the cancer.
Can a low blood count be a sign of colorectal cancer?
Sometimes the blood can be seen in the stool or make it look darker, but often the stool looks normal. But over time, the blood loss can build up and can lead to low red blood cell counts (anemia). Sometimes the first sign of colorectal cancer is a blood test showing a low red blood cell count.
What causes low red blood cell count in cancer patients?
There are many different reasons a person with cancer might have anemia. Some common causes are: Blood loss (this can be bleeding from a tumor, bleeding from cancer cells getting into blood vessels, or bleeding caused by other conditions like heavy menstruation or bleeding from a stomach ulcer)
How is the red cell count related to colon cancer?
Ninety-eight patients had left-sided colon cancer: 49 (50%) had an elevated red cell distribution width; 43 (44%) had anemia; and 22 (22%) had a low mean corpuscular volume. The red cell distribution width was 84% sensitive and 88% specific for right-sided colon cancer.
Can a person with colon cancer have anemia?
Anemia is a blood disorder characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin. In patients with colon or rectal cancer, intestinal bleeding may cause anemia. Depending on the location of the bleeding within the colon, anemia can be the first sign that blood loss is occurring.