Colorectal Cancer Flashcards
What is a tumour marker for colorectal cancer?
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)
Where would you find a colorectal cancer? (think thirds)
1/3 in the rectum
1/3 sigmoid
1/3 in remainder of the colon
How may emergency patients present?
obstruction, perforation, bleeding, abdo pain
What is the aim of screening?
To pick up benign poylps before they progress to invasive cancer
What is the screening programme?
Every 2 years for men & women aged 60-74
What are the NICE guidelines for referral to a suspected cancer pathway? (40, 50, 60)
Refer if:
>40 with weight loss & abdo pain
>50 with unexplained rectal bleeding
>60 with iron deficiency anaemia or change in bowel habit
OR TESTS SHOW OCCULT BLOOD IN FAECES (ANY AGE)
What is the best imaging for staging & detecting mets?
CT thorax abdo & plvis
Is local recurrence more common in
a) colon cancer
b) rectal cancer
b) local recurrence is more common in rectal cancer
How is neoadjuvant treatment considered in rectal cancer?
Based on risk of recurrence
What are 3 types of bowel surgery?
Anterior resection
Hartman’s
APER (abdo-perineal excision of the rectum)
What is the best treatment in low volume/ single site disease?
Surgeru
In terms of risk of recurrence, when is adjuvant therapy most appropriate?
In mod/ high risk, increased benefit od adjuvant chemotherapy
What is the most common chemo agent for colorectal cancer?
Give a side effct
5 FU
SE: hand-foot syndrome
