SIGMOID COLON

The sigmoid colon (pelvic colon) is the part of the large intestine that is closest to the rectum and anus. It forms a loop that averages about 40 cm. in length, and normally lies within the pelvis, but on account of its freedom of movement it is liable to be displaced into the abdominal cavity.

 

Front of abdomen, showing surface markings for liver, stomach, and great intestine.
Latin	colon sigmoideum
Gray's	subject #249 1182
Artery	sigmoid arteries
Nerve	superior mesenteric ganglia, sacral nerve [1]
Precursor	hindgut

 

Path

It begins at the superior aperture of the lesser pelvis, where it is continuous with the iliac colon, and passes transversely across the front of the sacrum to the right side of the pelvis. (The name sigmoid aptly means S-shaped.)

It then curves on itself and turns toward the left to reach the middle line at the level of the third piece of the sacrum, where it bends downward and ends in the rectum.

Sigmoid Colon Cancer Risk Factors

    Although inappropriate diet & unhealthy lifestyle considerably add to the risks of sigmoid colon cancer, the disease may also be influenced by an underlying genetic predisposition. Sigmoid colon cancer statistics reveal that 5 % of colon cancers globally are caused solely through genetic dysfunctions and physiological abnormalities. Depending upon their underlying cause, sigmoid colon cancers may be either unexpected (sporadic colon cancers), or genetically-inherited.

   The majority of cases of sigmoid colon cancer occur because of formation of polyps in different regions of the large bowel (the colon). Colonic polyps are well-known soft tissues which may become malignant. There are numerous types of hereditary sigmoid colon cancer; a lot are caused foremost colonic polyps. The most common kinds of genetically-inherited sigmoid colon cancers are adenomatous polyposis and “Gardner’s Syndrome”. Non-polyphonies colon cancer is as well common among hereditary forms of the disease. Unlike other types of genetically-inherited colon cancer, non-polyposis sigmoid colon cancer does not always involve the configuration of polyps. Uncommon varieties of hereditary sigmoid colon cancer include juvenile polyposis and Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome.

   Unlike non-hereditary types of colon cancer that usually develop in those older than fifty, hereditary sigmoid colon cancers can arise in younger people. In fact, some types of the genetically-inherited sigmoid colon cancers are developed by children and teenagers.

   Among the populace who have a family history of sigmoid colon cancer, people should regularly visit oncologists, qualified doctors or natural health specialists well versed in colon health for the sake of prevention, or early detection and treatment. Discovered in its initial stages, colon cancer may be effectively overcome by means of surgical interference or specific therapies. On the other hand, if sigmoid colon cancer is identified much later, a patients’ prognosis may be uncertain.

   Colonoscopy is a very common, reliable method of finding traces of sigmoid colon cancer in patients. Doctors may quickly spot potential signs and symptoms of abnormalities in the large bowel. Colonoscopy is very useful in the process of diagnosing the hereditary or sporadic types of colon cancer, since it can easily disclose the presence of colonic polyps, or the later stage tumors. People who have blood-relatives affected by colon cancer may carry a higher risk of developing such disease as well. Therefore, it is advised that they should receive also have semi-regular colonoscopies, as to detect and prevent signs of malignancy within the colon.

  Both obtained (sporadic) and hereditary sigmoid colon cancers can be life-threatening diseases; they should be revealed as soon as is feasible in order to reduce the risk of morbidity. Colon cancers encompass an unpredictable prototype of evolution, and the development is strongly prejudiced by genetically-inherited abnormalities. While lifestyle improvements and vigorous diet can diminish those risks of developing sigmoid colon cancer, people with underlying physiological abnormalities of the large bowel may still be vulnerable to developing problems. However, this is not to say that good dietary and lifestyle choices should be disregarded. On the contrary, they should be embraced; they can benefit any person with concerns relating to sigmoid colon health.

  

Sigmoid Colon Anatomy

   

                                                      

Anatomy

The location of the colon is either in the stomach cavity, or is behind it, in the retro peritoneum. The colon in these areas is fixed in a location.

The Ascending Colon

The Ascending Colon is on the right side of the abdomen, and is approximately 12.5 centimeters long. It shares with the colon the cecum and hepatic flexure (a bend between the ascending and transverse colon). In grazing animals (opposed to humans), the cecum will empty into a spiral shaped colon. It is similar to some coils found in the small intestine. The rear side of it is related to the iliacus, iliolumbar ligament, quadratus lumborum, transverse abdominis, diaphragm at tip of very last rib, the lateral cutaneous, the ilioinguinal, and the iliohypogastric nerves, all iliac branches of iliolumbar vessels, with fourth lumbar artery and the right kidney.

The Transverse Colon

The Transverse Colon is a part in the colon which comes from from a hepatic flexure (it is the turn of the colon through the liver) towards the splenic flexure (turn of colon within the spleen). The Transverse Colon will hang off the stomach, which is attached to it with a wide band of tissue known as the greater omentum. On the posterior side, a transverse colon is connected to the posterior abdominal wall with a mesentery, known as the transverse mesocolon.

The transverse colon is encased in the peritoneum, and will, therefore, be mobile (unlike many other parts of colon immediately before and after it). Many cancers may form as the large intestine’s contents become more solid (as water is removed) and form unmoving, impacted feces. It (the transverse colon) supplied by the middle colic artery, the branch of the superior mesenteric artery.

The Descending Colon

The Descending Colon is a part of colon which comes from the splenic flexure, near the starting point of the sigmoid colon. It is also retroperitoneal in two-thirds of humans. In one third of cases, it is located in the (typically short) mesentery.

The Sigmoid Colon

The Sigmoid Colon is a part of large intestine, after the descending colon, and also before the rectum. “Sigmoid” means refers to its S-shape. The walls of sigmoid colon are all muscular, and will contract to increase pressure inside the colon, causing stool to move towards the rectum.

Owing to the frequent high pressure, the colon can develop several pockets called “diverticuli”, in its walls. The presence of diverticuli, whether it is harmful or not, it is called “diverticulosis”. The infection of diverticuli is called “diverticulitis”. Sigmoidoscopy is the most common diagnostic technique which is used to examine the sigmoid colon.

Functions

Although there are varying functions within the large intestine, it is mostly responsible for the storage of waste, reclaiming of water andmaintaining water balance, along with absorbing some vitamins, like vitamin K. Please consider all these factors; perhaps it suggests to you why maintaining a clean and healthy colon in important to one’s health.