Exam 4 - Colon Cancer

Question 1

True/False: Colon cancer is the most common GI cancer in the US?

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Early detection of colon cancer results in ____% survival in ___ years.

Answer 2

• 90% in 5 years

- survival correlates with stage at diagnosis

Question 3

List the risk factors of colon cancer

Answer 3

• genetics
• polyps
• ulcerative colitis
• high fat diet, obesity
• decreased stool transit time
• low residue diet
• cigarette, alcohol consumption
• inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables
• chronic constipation

Question 4

At what age should you start screening tests for polyps and cancer?

Answer 4

50

If test is negative, you can wait for 5-10 years to rescreen

Question 5

Colon cancer is hereditary in ______% of cases.

Answer 5

5-10%

Question 6

List some screening tests for colon cancer:

Answer 6

• fecal occult blood test (every year)
• colonoscopy or barium enema (every 5-10 years beginning at age 50)
• tests are done early and more often for high-risk individuals

Question 7

List clinical manifestations for colon cancer:

Answer 7

• bleeding
• change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation)
• abdominal pain
• weight loss
• ascending colon: fewer early symptoms
• descending colon: pencil thin stools, tenesmus (feeling that you still have to go even though you pooped)

Question 8

Surgical treatment for colon cancer:

Answer 8

Surgical resection

• colon resection
• hemicolectomy
• colectomy
• palliative: bypass

Question 9

Other treatments for colon cancer include:

Answer 9

• radiation to identified site of reoccurrence (preop to decrease size to make removal easier)
• chemotherapy for metastasis