Colorectal cancer and IBD (Hosp 3)

Question 1

What investigation would you request for rectal bleeding?

Answer 1

1) Haemoglobin
2) WCC
3) CRP
4) Microbiology –> Stool culture
5) Abdominal X-ray
6) CT scan
7) Sigmoidoscopy
8) Colonoscopy
9) Rectal biopsy

Question 2

What histological findings are found in crohn’s but not UC?

Answer 2

Granulomas

Fissuring ulcers

Question 3

What are the differences between left and right colon cancer?

Answer 3

RIGHT –> Anaemia (due to mucosal ulceration)
- Intestinal obstruction is less common
faecal content fluid and lumen is larger

LEFT –> Intestinal obstruction
- Faecal content solid and lumen narrow

Question 4

What is a desmoplastic reaction?

Answer 4

Desmoplasia is the growth of fibrous or connective tissue. It is also called desmoplastic reaction to emphasize that it is secondary to an insult.