Colorectal Cancer Flashcards
risk factors for developing colorectal cancer
increases with age more common in industrialized world - western diet? diet high in fats, red meats inadequate intake of fiber fruits and vegetables family history alcohol intake smoking obesity inflammatory bowel disease
rectal cancer is defined as
arising below peritoneal refection of <12cm from the anal verge
colon cancer is more common than
rectal cancer
most common colorectal cancer
sigmoid colon/rectum
pathophys
colorectal adenocarcinomas remain superficial for a long time and slowly invade the deeper layers of the intestinal wall
extension through the bowel wall into the pericolonic fat
more distant spread can take place to the liver and lungs
signs and symptoms
changes in bowel habits diarrhea or constipation blood in stool narrow stools ab and gas pain weight loss tenesmus(inclination to evacuate the bowels)
why should people get screened
survival rate much better in the beginning
very bad by stage 4
decreases the risk of dying
screening tests
stool blood guaiac test to detect blood in stools sigmoidoscopy barium enema colonoscopy carcinoembryonic antigen
screening is effective because
we can detect precancerous early stage cancers in people who dont show symptoms
can confirm and more easily treat cancer in early stages
who should be tested and how often
> 50 evaluated annually with fecal occult blood testing unless high risk
primary curative procedure for stages 1-3
surgery
resection of the bowel
why do we do radiation to tumor bed and surgically inaccessible areas of tissue
to decrease local recurence
can be used for lessening symptoms
stage 1
local diseas eno invasion of muscular mucosa
stage 2
invasion of muscular mucosa
stage 3
lymph node involvment
stage 4
metastatic disease
application of chemo in colorectal cancer
adjuvant after surgery in stage 2 and 3
primary therapy of metastatic colon and rectal cancers
most commonly used agent in colorectal cancer
fluorouracil
fluorouracil toxicity based on type of admin
bolus - grade 3 and 4 hematological toxicity
continuous infusion - hand foot syndrome
what is hand foot syndrome
paiful reddening of skin
should report any changes to palms and soles asap
prevent by moisturizing and avoiding heat and friction