symptoms and various contents of colonic diverticulum.

A colonic diverticulum, whose name is unfamiliar, is a part of the wall of the colon that has weakened and protrudes outward.  Let’s learn about the symptoms of colonic diverticulum and its relationship with cancer.  This is a summary of content that appeared on Korea's SBS News on May 28, 2023.​

symptoms and various contents of colonic diverticulum. Are colonic diverticula cancerous?

Current situation

Korea's Seoul National University Hospital surveyed 7,900 people who underwent colonoscopy, and colonic diverticula were found in 16.7%.  It's more than I thought.

Symptom

9 out of 10 people have no symptoms.  And asymptomatic diverticula do not pose a health risk.  However, diverticula can cause complications such as inflammation, bleeding, and perforation.

Cause of occurrence

It is caused by an imbalance of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines, obesity, and a fatty diet. (These factors are also causes of cancer.)

symptoms and various contents of colonic diverticulum. Are colonic diverticula cancerous?

Association with Cancer

Harvard Medical School and others in the U.S. observed over 75,000 people with diverticular disease for an average of 6 years.  The results showed that those with diverticula had a 33% greater risk of cancer than those without them.  In particular, pancreatic cancer and colon cancer were 62% and 71% higher, respectively.  It's scary...

• 33% higher overall cancer risk
• 71% higher risk of colon cancer
• 62% higher risk of pancreatic cancer

This is because the factors that affect cancer and the factors that affect diverticula are the same.  For example, if you are obese, you are prone to both cancer and colonic diverticulum.

Treatment

You cannot remove a diverticulum that has already formed.  However, consuming enough fiber and water can help prevent complications.  Also, if you have a diverticulum, it is recommended to undergo regular health checkups for high-risk cancers such as pancreatic cancer and colon cancer.  I guess I should do it too.

symptoms and various contents of colonic diverticulum. Are colonic diverticula cancerous?

We looked into the symptoms of colonic diverticulum and looked into various things, including its relationship with cancer.  Eating is the most important thing.  Please be aware of colonic diverticulum and be careful.