Stiff Tissue May Indicate Colorectal Cancer in Patients

Researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas have published the results of a study on the tissue samples of 33 colorectal cancer patients. Using microindentation testing to measure the stiffness of both regular and cancerous tissue of the intestines and colon, researchers found that patients under 50 showed stiffer tissue than older patients.

Biomechanical measurements like the observed stiffness could be indicators that tissue is prone to cancer. The younger patients' tissue contained more collagen and appeared more scarred than older patients.

With colon cancer rates rising in patients under 50, doctors recommend earlier screening for at-risk individuals. Blood in the stool and abdominal pain are two early indicators of potential colon cancer.

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