Colorectal cancer is a major health concern across the world. It is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States and is also the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women.

The colon is divided into two parts, the right and the left colon. While colorectal cancer can occur in both parts, studies have shown that it is more likely to occur on the right side of the colon. In this article, we will explore why orthocolic cancer is a greater risk on the right side of the colon.

Anatomy

The colon is a long, muscular tube that is part of the digestive system. It is divided into four main parts – the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon, and the sigmoid colon.

The ascending colon starts from the cecum, a sac-like structure at the bottom of the small intestine, and rises upwards on the right side of the body. The transverse colon goes across the abdominal cavity, while the descending colon descends on the left side of the body. The sigmoid colon is the S-shaped portion of the colon that connects to the rectum.

Right-sided Colorectal Cancer

Studies have shown that the incidence of colorectal cancer is higher on the right side of the colon. In fact, about 60% of colorectal cancer cases occur in the right colon.

This is a significant difference compared to the left side, where only 40% of cases occur.

Genetics

One of the reasons why colorectal cancer is more common on the right side of the colon is due to genetics. The right side of the colon is embryologically different from the left side.

The right colon is derived from the midgut, while the left colon is derived from the hindgut. Studies have shown that the right colon has a different gene expression pattern than the left colon. Mutations in certain genes, such as BRAF and KRAS, are more commonly associated with right-sided colorectal cancer.

These mutations are related to the embryonic origin of the colon.

Microbiome

The colon is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome. The microbiome plays an important role in the digestive process and also helps to maintain the health of the colon.

Studies have shown that there are differences in the composition of the microbiome between the right and left colon. The right colon has been found to have a higher abundance of certain bacteria, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, which has been implicated in the development of colorectal cancer.

The different microbiome composition of the right colon may contribute to the increased risk of colorectal cancer in this part of the colon.

Colonic Transit Time

Colonic transit time refers to the time it takes for food to pass through the colon. Studies have shown that there is a difference in colonic transit time between the right and left colon.

Food moves more slowly through the right colon than the left colon. This means that the right colon is exposed to carcinogens for a longer period of time, which may contribute to the increased risk of colorectal cancer in this part of the colon.

Polyp Detection

Colorectal cancer usually develops from non-cancerous growths called polyps. Polyps can occur in any part of the colon. However, studies have shown that polyps in the right colon are more difficult to detect than those in the left colon.

This is because right-sided polyps are usually flat or sessile, which means they are hard to see during a colonoscopy. Left-sided polyps, on the other hand, are more likely to be pedunculated, which means they have a stalk and are easier to detect.

The difficulty in detecting right-sided polyps may lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment of right-sided colorectal cancer.

Symptoms

Colorectal cancer may not produce symptoms in its early stages. However, as the cancer grows, symptoms can occur. Symptoms of right-sided colorectal cancer may include:.

Abdominal pain or discomfort on the right side
Bloating
Unintentional weight loss
Iron deficiency anemia

Conclusion

Colorectal cancer remains a major health concern across the world. While it can occur in any part of the colon, studies have shown that it is more likely to occur on the right side of the colon.

This may be due to a combination of factors, including genetics, microbiome composition, colonic transit time, and polyp detection. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of colorectal cancer and to undergo regular screening tests, such as colonoscopy, to detect any abnormalities early.