Types of Colon Cancer
Adenocarcinomas - The most common type of colon cancers are known as adenocarcinomas. The adenocarcinomas are a type of cancer that has developed within the glands inside of the intestine. The function of these glands is to ensure the intestine has a ready supply of mucus. The mucus that the colon produces is a natural lubricant for the stool, and its job is to help the stool pass through the colon more easily.
In terms of adenocarcinomas, this type of colon cancer is not numerous, and there are only 1-2 different subtypes. This type of colon cancer will be identified by the doctor as a cancer of the mucinous cells – this means the cancer has found in the cells that produce mucus.
This type of an adenocarcinoma of the colon can also be described as a signet ring cell cancer. Since the colon cancer is formed in mucus cells, the cancer will be seen as if it is contained within a pool of mucus. Therefore, as the mucus forms, the normal cells will be transformed to look like a signet ring.
Squamous Cell Colon Cancer – Another type of colon cancer is formed in squamous cells. These cells are commonly found in the skin, but are also the main lining of the bowel. Squamous cells are small cells compared to the other types that make up the intestine. They are not as common as colon adenocarcinomas.
Carcinoid tumors – Carnoid tumors of the colon are actually quite rare. They develop within the colon in tissue that is of a neuroendocrine origin. This means that the cancer will be able to produce hormones. Majority of the carcinoid tumors will be located in the rectum instead of other parts of the colon.
The third type of colon cancer is those that develop within the Lymph system. These tumors are known as Lymphomas. They represent approximately 1% of all colon cancers. The lymphatic system is the main system responsible for drainage of lymph according the body. The most common type of lymphoma is Non Hodgkins lymphoma.
Tags: colon, Colon Cancer, crohns-disease