Gastroenterologist explains what colon cancer really looks like inside the body; shares early signs most people miss

Most people never see what colon cancer actually looks like. A gastroenterologist breaks it down, showing how tiny polyps silently grow into dangerous tumours.

Colon cancer is often called a “silent” disease because it usually develops without any obvious warning signs. Many people don’t know what it actually looks like inside the colon or how early changes begin. Dr Joseph Salhab, a gastroenterologist and health content creator from Florida, specialising in digestion, liver, pancreas and nutrition, shares in his December 8 Instagram post what colon cancer really looks like and the symptoms that should never be ignored.

What does a healthy colon look like

Early detection of colon polyps is key to preventing cancer, says Dr Salhab. (Freepik)

Dr Salhab begins by showing what a healthy colon should look like. “This is what a colon should look like. It's fairly uniform in colour, the surface looks smooth, there’s no abnormal growth or inflammation there,” he explained. But cancer doesn’t start suddenly it, begins with tiny, harmless-looking polyps.

“We think that most cancers in the colon start off as little polyps or growths. They can start off super small, but if left in your colon long enough, they tend to get bigger and bigger,” he said.

Gastroenterologists can remove these polyps during a routine colonoscopy, often during the same appointment in which they’re discovered. “We have tools we can use in the colonoscopy to turn something like this and remove it, and we can close up the little cut after we remove it, and then your colon is as good as new,” Dr Salhab explained.

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.