Colon Cancer

Question 1

Describe the progression and mechanisms that lead to formation of adenocarcinoma of the colon.

Answer 1

1. Normal mucosa: undergoes hyperproliferation and DNA methylation
2. Adenoma forms: then has oncogene mutations
3. Severe Dysplasia results from oncogene mutations: allelic deletions and aneuploidy then occurs
4. Adenocarcinoma forms

Question 2

What are the 3 most important predictors for colon cancer?

Answer 2

1. Number of polyps (>2)
2. Size (>1cm)
3. Histology (villous)

Question 3

What 3 characteristics make a patient a high risk for colon cancer and what screening method is preferred?

Answer 3

1. Previous adenoma/cancer
2. Family Hx
3. IBD

Screen with colonoscopy

Question 4

Treatment for colon cancer.

Answer 4

Surgery