Colorectal cancer

Question 1

what are some of the non-modifiable risk factors for developing colorectal cancer

Answer 1

male, older age(rare before 40), family history, IBD

Question 2

what are some of the modifiable risk factors for developing colorectal cancer

Answer 2

high intake sugar, fat, alcohol, red/processed meat, low intake of fibre, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise

Question 3

what type of tumour is usually seen in colorectal cancer, and where does it arise from

Answer 3

usually adenocarcinoma, arising from glandular crypts

Question 4

what does colorectal cancer usually start as

Answer 4

polyps

Question 5

what mutation is usually found in polyps associated with colorectal cancer

Answer 5

an APC mutation

Question 6

what are the symptoms associated with colorectal caner

Answer 6

change in bowel habits(usually to more loose + frequent stools), weight loss, rectal bleeding, tenesmus, Fe deficiency anaemia, bowel obstruction

Question 7

what is tenesmus

Answer 7

the feeling of having a full rectum even after emptying bowels

Question 8

describe how colorectal cancer on the right side differs to that on the left side or at the rectum

Answer 8

right side(25%) = more likely to be symptomatic
left side(75%) = more likely to grow and cause obstruction

Question 9

what blood investigations are done for colorectal cancer

Answer 9

full blood count, LFTs, CEA(carcinoembryonic antigen)

Question 10

what imaging investigations are done for colorectal cancer

Answer 10

colonoscopy, CT colonography

Question 11

how is colorectal cancer classified

Answer 11

Duke’s staging

Question 12

briefly describe Duke’s staging of colorectal cancer

Answer 12

A to D, A being tumour confined to mucosa, D being distant metastases

Question 13

what is the main curative treatment for colorectal cancer

Answer 13

surgery

Question 14

what other treatments are there for colorectal cancer(other than surgery)

Answer 14

radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biologic therapy