3. Tumors: Unwanted Guests in the Gut
Tumors in the intestines can be likened to weeds in a garden. Just as weeds can choke and overshadow plants, tumors can impede the smooth flow of content within the intestines. But what exactly spurs their growth? It’s a combination of genetic factors, environmental triggers, and sometimes, sheer bad luck.
Intestinal tumors can be benign or malignant. While benign tumors might sound harmless, they can still cause obstruction due to their sheer size or location. Imagine a growing mass within the confines of a tube. As it expands, space becomes limited, making it harder for content to move freely.
So, how do these tumors grow? Cells in our body are continually dividing and renewing. However, sometimes this process goes haywire, leading to uncontrolled growth and the formation of a mass or lump. Within the intestines, these masses can hinder the transit of digested food, causing backups.
Given the enclosed nature of our intestines, even a small tumor can cause significant disruption. Depending on their location, tumors might block a small segment or even a more considerable portion of the intestine. As they grow, symptoms might escalate, leading to discomfort and other complications. (3)