GI Disease Flashcards
What is the two primary strategies for preventing colorectal cancer?
- detect and remove precancerous polyps
2. detect and treat cancer in it’s early stages
Define the term “screening”
detection of asymptomatic disease in healthy individuals at average risk (no identifiable risk factors except age)
Define the term “surveillance”
search for asymptomatic disease among higher risk individuals (PHx, FHx etc.)
Bowel cancer affects how many men and women in Australia each year?
1 in 18 men; 1 in 24 women
What is the cancer risk for polyps sized 1cm and 2 cm respectively?
1cm = <1% cancer risk 2cm = 40% cancer risk
How long does it take for a polyp to develop into a cancer?
approx. 5 years
Describe an individual at average risk of developing colorectal cancer
asymptomatic
>40yoa
no personal Hx of colorectal cancer or polyps
no FHx of colorectal cancer or polyps
no personal Hx of IBD, breast, uterine or ovarian cancer
Which GI disease continues to spread and cause further damage when found in the small intestine?
Crohn’s Disease
Where may secondary lesions associated with Crohn’s disease occur?
lymph nodes, liver, skin, eyes and joints
At what age does Crohn’s disease most commonly occur?
late teens - twenties
Describe 6 symptoms of Crohn’s disease
Options: diarrhoea fatigue fever pain and cramping in abdomen bloody stools mouth sores weight loss and lack of appetite sores and abscesses around the anus skin, eye, joint or bile duct inflammation iron deficiency due to blood loss and poor absorption delayed growth in puberty
List 5 diagnostic methods for Crohn’s disease
Options: radiography biopsies blood tests colonoscopy CT MRI capsule endoscopy flexible sigmoidoscopy small bowel imaging
What is the recurrence rate per year of Crohn’s after surgical intervention?
15%
GI disease can result in deficiencies in which vitamins/minerals due to malabsorption?
Vitamin C
Vitamin B12
Folic Acid
Zinc
Describe the aetiology of ulcerative colitis
Chronic inflammation and ulceration of the mucosa and large intestine
List 5 common signs of ulcerative colitis
rectal bleeding diarrhoea nutritional oedema fever anorexia/malnutrition anaemia avitaminosis dehydration negative nitrogen balance
What are the secondary inflammatory symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis?
polyarthritis
polyarthralgia
uveitis
skin changes
What is Coeliac Disease?
Autoimmune disease where the lining of the small intestine is damaged by gluten
Describe common symptoms associated with coeliac disease
Diarrhoea or constipation Steatorrhoea Nausea and vomiting Flatulence Pain or discomfort in abdominal area Iron deficiency or anaemia Weight loss or gain Frequent tiredness and fatigue Failure to thrive, or delayed puberty Bone and joint pain/stiffness Swelling of the mouth or tongue Recurrent mouth ulcers and other dental issues Itchy and blistering skin rash Easy bruising
What is the diagnostic process for coeliac disease?
blood test
biopsy - gastroscopy
genetic testing
* gluten must be consumed for at least 6 weeks prior to testing; equivalent to 4 slices wheat bread/day)
List the red flags associated with coeliac disease
early onset osteoporosis unexplained infertility liver disease FHx coeliac disease Other AI disease
Describe the aetiology of diverticular disease
herniations form along digestive tract that form pouches when weak spots in intestinal wall balloon out
What are the risk factors associated with diverticular disease?
Age FHx Low fibre intake Obesity Physical Inactivity
Describe the treatment methods for diverticulitis
Dependent upon the severity of the bout
May be managed at home or may require hospitalization with IV fluids and antibiotics
Acute phase - clear liquids and low fibre diet
Long term - high fibre foods
