Abdominal: Colorectal Carcinoma (brief) Flashcards
what type of cancer is the majority of colorectal carcinomas?
adenocarcinomas
what are the risk factors for colorectal cancer?
- increasing age
- african-american race
- IBD
- personal history of colon cancer of polyps
- family history
- sedentary lifestyle
- diabetes
- obesity
which inherited syndromes increase the risk of colon cancer?
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) - APC gene.
- Lynch syndrome, which is also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
What are the clinical features of colorectal cancer?
- diarrhoea
- constipation
- rectal bleeding
- loss of weight
- abdo pain
- anaemia (particularly iron deficiency anaemia)
- abdominal or rectal mass
- occult in blood faeces
which conditions present in a similar way to colorectal cancer?
Other types of lower GI cancers/other cancers that have metasised to the large bowel.
what diagnostic test would you do to confirm a diagnosis of olorectal cancer?
- colonoscopy with biopsy.
- CT colonography is increasingly used for those unfit for colonoscopy, but does not include biopsy.
which antigen can be measured to monitor the progression of colorectal cancer?
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
NB: should not be used for diagnosis.
what is the treatment options for early colorectal cancer?
- polypectomy
- endoscopic mucosal resection
- laparoscopic surgery to remove polyps if cannot be done via polypectomy
what is a polypectomy?
Removing polyps during a colonoscopy
what is the treatment options for advanced colorectal cancer?
- partial colectomy
- ostomy (stoma bag, cannot reconnect healthy bowel)
- lymph node removal
what two types of bowel cancer screening does the `NHS offer?
- All men and women aged 60 to 74 are invited to carry out a faecal occult blood (FOB) test. (poo in the post)
- An additional one-off test called bowel scope screening.
how can an individual manage their lifestyle in attempt to prevent colorectal cancer?
- Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Stop smoking.
- Exercise and maintain a healthy weight.