Colorectal Cancer

Question 1

Colorectal Cancer

Answer 1

Colorectal- Refers to the colon and rectum, which together make up the large intestine.
Most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas.

Question 1

Etiology of Colorectal Cancer

Answer 1

Age > 50 Years
Genetic Predisposition
Personal/Family History of Cancer
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis- Precancerous colorectal polyps.
Smoking
Obesity
High Fat Diet
Low Fiber Diet

Question 2

Staging of Colorectal Cancer

Answer 2

Stage I- Tumor invades up to muscle layer.
Stage II- Tumor invades up to other organs or perforates peritoneum.
Stage III- Any level of tumor invasion, up to 4 regional lymph nodes.
Stage IV- Any level of tumor invasion; many lymph nodes are affected with distant metastasis.

Question 3

Clinical Manifestations of Colorectal Cancer

Answer 3

Depends on the location of the tumor.
Rectal Bleeding
Anemia
Change in stool consistency or shape.
Tumors in the transverse or descending colon may cause obstruction.
Abdominal Pain

Question 4

Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer

Answer 4

Abdominal Assessment
Labs- CBC, Fecal Occult Blood
Abdomen, Pelvic CT Scan
Colonoscopy
Barium Enema

Question 5

Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Answer 5

Radiation, Chemotherapy
Surgical removal of tumor and intestine- colon resection or colectomy.
Patients may need temporary or permanent colostomy.

Question 6

Nursing Interventions for Colon Cancer Patients

Answer 6

Patient Education
Patient prep for colonoscopy: bowel cleansing, clear liquid diet/NPO.
Assessment of surgical incision, routine post-op care.
Assessment of stoma if colostomy present.
Psychosocial Support