Possible Constipation Causes In Cancer Patients
In some people, constipation is a manifestation of cancer. Constipation can appear in the earlier stages or later stages of cancer diagnosis. It can be caused by an emergent tumors or while the tumors are being treated. Constipation in cancer patients can also be caused by the usual culprits like poor diet, inadequate water intake and lack of exercise plus an array of other contributing factors which include: diseases associated with the cancer, medications used to combat the cancer, possible organ failure, insufficient mobility and depression.
To be more specific, these are the most frequently observed causes of constipation in cancer patients:
* The usual culprits: low fiber in the diet and low water intake.
* Decreased mobility or insufficient exercise.
* Chemotherapy or any agent associated with chemotherapy that causes a person's nervous system to be altered, e.g. thalidomide, opioids or tranquilizers, oxaliplatins, taxanes and vinca alkaloids.
* Bowel disorders such as diverticulitis, irritable colon, irritable bowel syndrome and tumors.
* Neuromuscular disorders such as injury or compression of the spinal cord which can lead to bowel weakness and inactivity.
* Metabolic disorders such as Hypercalcemia, dehydration or Uremia.
* Atony of the muscles such as carcinoma, cachexia or anemia.
