Colorectal cancer Flashcards
how common is colorectal cancer?
3rd most common cancer, 2nd highest cause of cancer deaths
most common type of colorectal cancer?
adenocarcinoma
what are the risk factors for colorectal cancer?
age >60 y/o family history inflammatory bowel disease low fibre diet high processed meat intake high alcohol intake smoking
how do most colorectal cancers develop?
via progression of normal mucosa to colonic adnoma (colorectal polyps), to invasive adenocarcinoma
what genetic mutations can predispose individuals to colorectal cancer?
Lynch syndrome (MMR gene) or FAP (APC gene)
what are the common symptoms of bowel cancer? (5)
change in bowel habit rectal bleeding weight loss abdominal pain iron-deficiency anaemia
when should patients be referred for urgent investigations for suspected bowel cancer?
- 40 or older with unexplained weight loss and abdominal pain
- 50 or older with unexplained rectal bleeding
- 60 or older with iron-deficiency anaemia or changes in bowel habit
- positive occult faecal blood test
what are the differentials for colorectal cancer?
IBD
haemorrhoids
diverticulitis
what is the UK screening programme for colorectal cancer?
in the UK, screening is offered every 2 years to men and women aged 60-75 using faecal occult blood home testing kits
what investigations are done for suspected colorectal cancer?
routine bloods
colonoscopy with biopsy - gold standard diagnosis
what can be done if colonoscopy is not suitable for the patient?
CT colography or flexible sigmoidoscopy
what is the treatment for colon cancer?
surgery to remove part of bowel affected
what symptoms may be present with a right-sided colon cancer?
abdominal pain
occult bleeding
mass in right iliac fossa
what symptoms may be present with a left sided colon cancer?
rectal bleeding
change in bowel habit or tenesmus (increased bowel movement)
mass in left iliac fossa / mass on PR exam
