Colon Cancer Flashcards
Give 5 risk factors for colon cancer
High red meat intake Low fibre diet Obesity IBD- UC and Crohn's Diabetes Benign bowel polyps Lack of exercise Smoking Excess alcohol Previous cancer Gallstones H.pylori infection
What are the 3 main types of colon cancer?
Adenocarcinoma (glands in bowel wall)
Squamous cell carcinoma (epithelial cells)
Carcinoid tumours (neuroendocrine tumour-from hormonal tissue)
Give 4 clinical features of colon cancer
Rectal bleeding Altered bowel habits Abdominal lump SOB and fatigue Melaena Tenesmus Weight loss Pain in abdomen or rectum Bowel obstruction
How is colon cancer investigated?
DRE
Bloods- FBC, U+Es, LFTs, CRP, CEA (tumour marker)
Flexi sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
CT colonography
Colon biopsy- RAS genes, BRAF genes, microsatellite instability
How is screened for bowel cancer in the UK?
60-74 year olds, every 2 years
What test is used for screening in the UK?
Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
Looks for traces of blood in a stool sample. If blood is found, the patient is invited for a colonoscopy.
Give examples of high risk patients who are screened regularly via colonoscopy
FAP UC Crohns Lynch Syndrome Strong family history Polyps Previous bowel cancer
Describe Duke’s Staging of colon cancer
A= cancer in bowel lining B= cancer in muscle layer C= cancer in >1 lymph node near the bowel D= metastatic spread
Describe the stages of bowel cancer
Stage 1= small tumour in bowel lining/muscle layer
Stage 2= tumour in outer bowel lining or into a nearby structure
Stage 3= spread to lymph nodes
Stage 4= metastatic spread
How is colon cancer managed?
Surgical= laparoscopic resection, colectomy + stoma
Adjuvant chemotherapy- reduce risk of micrometastases
Chemotherapy- palliative aim- Fluorouracil
Palliative radiotherapy
