Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common type of colon cancer, accounting for about 95%. These slowly arise from glandular epithelial cells lining the inner surface of the colon. The problem with this cancer is that it starts very slowly, often beginning as benign and thus being called adenomatous polyps. Over several years, genetic mutations accumulate, eventually transforming these polyps into malignant tumors.
Key stages:
The mutation commonly represents the initial step and sets off the development of polyps.
Stimulates the growth and proliferation of these polyps.
A tumor suppressor gene mutation that allows cells to become fully cancerous.
Other accelerating factors in the path from a single polyp to malignancy include low-fiber diet, smoking, and chronic inflammation. It is important to realize that adenocarcinomas are dangerous because early stages do not cause symptoms, and when detected, the cancer may have already invaded the colon, lymph nodes, or distant organs like the liver or lungs.
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