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Sigmoid Colon
Where is the Sigmoid Colon?
The sigmoid colon is the s-shaped curve in the last part of the large intestine or bowel just before the rectum. It is less than 16 inches in length and is curved like an "s." In Greek, the "s" is called sigmoid. The sigmoid colon is free to move somewhat and may be displaced into the abdominal cavity.
The colon starts on the lower right side of the abdomen where the small intestine empties into the large intestine. The first part of the colon is called the cecum. The colon then goes to the level of the liver where it bends sharply to the left and crosses the abdomen; this is called the transverse colon. When the colon moves to the level of the spleen, it is called the descending colon. This goes down the left side of the abdomen to the pelvis where it becomes the sigmoid colon.
What does it do?
The colon (large intestine; including the sigmoid colon, rectum and anus) is the final stage of the digestive tract, which goes from the mouth to the anus. It is a tube that looks like muscle and is about 2.5 inches around. The main functions of the colon are to absorb water and minerals and make and eliminate feces.
The colon contains 60 varieties of bacteria to help digestion and promote a healthy balance of vitamins and pH (acid-base) and to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
What happens with Sigmoid Colon Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the term used to refer to cancers of the colon or rectum. The wall of the colon and rectum is made up of layers of tissue. Cancer starts in the layer in the inner part and may grow through to some of the other layers. For most people, this type of cancer grows slowly over several years. Before becoming cancer, there is usually a growth called a polyp on the inner lining of the colon. Polyps are not cancer, but tumors are cancer. The chance of a polyp becoming a tumor depends on the type of polyp it is and the stage at the time of detection.
Is there anything I can do to prevent sigmoid colon cancer?
5-10% of patients have inherited a gene that causes the disease. But the risks for colon cancers increase in developed countries.
- A diet high in red meat increases the risk
- fruits and vegetables decrease the risk
- alcohol use and smoking increase the risk
- obesity increases the risk, especially in men
Suggestions to improve your chances of preventing colorectal cancer:
- regular exercise
- a healthy diet
- weight maintenance
- not smoking or drinking
Protect Yourself From the High Cost of Cancer
According to the recent studies, American men have a 44% chance of developing cancer while the chances for women are about 37%. The general risk of developing colon cancer in the United States is about 6%. For this reason, it's important for everyone, particularly people above the age of 50 years, to go for routine screening.
Whether discovered early or late, cancer is a debilitating disease due to the care, costs and the mental and physical trauma involved. Many times the cost of treatment leaves the patient in heavy financial distress.
Most insurance plans do not cover the total cost of the treatment, which leaves the patient and their family in a lurch. These days people have started purchasing supplemental cancer insurance that can help in covering otherwise uninsured expenses related to cancer illness. If you would like to learn more about supplemental cancer insurance you can click here.
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