Colorectal Cancer Flashcards
What are the predisposing factors of colorectal cancer?
- neoplastic polyps
- IBD
- Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
- HNPCC ( hereditary non polyposis colorectal cancer)
- diet (low fibre, increased red / processed meat)
- alcohol
- smoking
- previous cancer
What is thought to inhibit polyp growth in the colon
aspirin 75mg/daily (reduces incidence and mortalitiy of colorectal cancer
How do left sided colorectal cancers present?
- bleeding and mucus PR
- mass on PR (60%)
- altered bowel habit
- obstruction (25%)
- tenesmus
What % of left sided colorectal cancers present with bowel obstruction?
25%
How to right sided colon cancers present?
- weight loss
- low haemoglobin (anaemia)
- abdo pain
(obstruction less likely)
What are the common symptoms of both left and risht sided colorectal cancer?
- fistula
- abdo mass
- perforation
- haemorrhage
What tests are done for suspected colorectal cancer?
- FBC (microcytic anaemia)
- Faecal occult blood
- sigmoidoscopy
- barium enema
- colonoscopy
- CT/MRI
- LFTs
- liver USS
- DNA test of family history of FAP
How do colorectal cancers spread
- local
- lymphatic
- blood to liver, bone, lung
- transcoelomic —> e.g ovaries
What system is used to stage colorectal cancer?
TNM is replacing Dukes staging
When is radiotherapy used for colorectal cancer?
Radiotherapy is mainly for palliative treatment of colorectal cancer.
- Surgical resection is main treatment.
What is the overall 5 yr survival rate of colorectal cancer?
50%
Describe the colorectal cancer screening programme in the UUK?
screening every 2 yrs for men and women from 60-75 yrs by faecal occult blood home tests. (3 separate bowel samples examines)
