Colorectal Carcinoma Flashcards
what is the most common colorectal carcinoma
adenocarcinomas from epithelial cells
where are colorectal carcinomas found
mostly in colon (duh)
some in rectum
what is the biggest risk factor for CC
increasing age
how common is CC
third most common cancer in western world
epi
males>females
middle aged and older
aetiology
1 genetic factors -majority of CC are sporadic -2nd biggest risk factor is FHx (FAP, lynch syndrome) 2 environmental factors -obesity -low fibre diet -high red + processed meat diet
how do most CCs arise
from dysplastic adenomatous polyps in most cases
what is the dukes classification
A - limited to bowel wall
B - through bowel wall
C - lymph node metastasis
how is CC screened
faecal occult blood test (as cancer and polyps may bleed)
what is the next step in investigation is there is a positive faecal occult blood test
colonoscopy
risk factors
increasing age
FHx (FAP, lynch syndrome)
IBD
obesity
features of CC
ColorectaL CanceR
Change in bowel habit (commonly increased frequency + diarrhoea)
Loss of blood (PR bleeding)
Change in weight or appetite
Rectal mass (PR mass if rectal CC)or abdominal mass if advanced CC)
what are presenting symptoms of CC
abdominal pain
change in bowel habit
PR bleeding
anaemia (IDA)
what is the first line investigation for CC
colonoscopy
what might be used to investigate patients who are low risk and young
flexible sigmoidoscopy
