colorectal adenocarcinoma

What is Colorectal Adenocarcinoma?

Colorectal adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in the large intestine, specifically in the gland cells that make mucus to lubricate and protect the inside of the colon and rectum [4]. It is also known as colorectal cancer or colon cancer.

Types of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Colorectal adenocarcinomas develop in the lining of the large intestine (colon) or the end of the colon (rectum).

Common Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Colorectal adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum, can exhibit various signs and symptoms. While some people may not experience any noticeable symptoms in the early stages, others may notice changes in their bowel habits, abdominal pain, and other related issues.

Bowel Habits Changes

• Frequent diarrhea or constipation [1]
• A change in normal bowel habits [4]
• Diarrhea or constipation are common symptoms of colorectal cancer [5]

Abdominal Pain and Other Symptoms

• Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain [3]
• Weakness and fatigue [3]
• Losing weight unintentionally [7]
• Unexplained loss of appetite [7]
• Nausea and vomiting [7]
• Jaundice, anemia, weakness, and fatigue are systemic symptoms of colorectal cancer [7]

Bleeding and Other Gastrointestinal Issues

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool [1]
• Blood in the stool, which might make it look dark brown or black [3]
• Bleeding from your bottom, blood in your poo, or a change in your pooing habits are symptoms that can include [8]

It's essential to note that not everyone with colorectal adenocarcinoma will experience all of these symptoms. If you're experiencing any unusual changes in your bowel habits, abdominal pain, or other related issues, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References: [1] - Symptoms · A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation. [3] - Blood in the stool, which might make it look dark brown or black; Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain; Weakness and fatigue; [4] - Diarrhea or constipation 2. Change in normal bowel habits 3. Urge to have a bowel movement when there [5] - Symptoms of colorectal cancer include diarrhea, constipation, feeling full and blood in the stool. [7] - Systemic symptoms of colorectal cancer · Unexplained loss of appetite · Unexplained weight loss · Nausea · Vomiting · Jaundice · Anemia · Weakness · Fatigue [8] - Symptoms can include: · bleeding from your bottom · blood in your poo · a change in your pooing habits. You might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea

Colorectal adenocarcinoma, also known as colon cancer, can be diagnosed through various diagnostic tests. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Stool tests: These tests check for tiny amounts of blood in feces (stool) that cannot be seen with the naked eye [1]. They are often used to screen for colorectal cancer and can detect polyps and cancers.
• Colonoscopy: This is a procedure where a doctor looks inside the colon and rectum using a flexible tube with a camera on the end [4]. It's the most common test used to diagnose colorectal cancer, and it allows doctors to examine the entire colon and rectum for any abnormalities.
• Blood-based tests: These tests check for certain biomarkers in the blood that may indicate the presence of colorectal cancer [5]. They are often used in combination with other tests to confirm a diagnosis.
• Imaging tests: Tests like computed tomographic colonography (CTC), magnetic resonance colonography (MRC), and colon capsule endoscopy can also be used to diagnose colorectal cancer [9].
• Lab tests: Stool tests and blood tests are two types of lab tests that can be used to diagnose colorectal cancer. These tests can detect tiny amounts of blood or other biomarkers in the stool or blood that may indicate the presence of cancer.

It's worth noting that a colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing colorectal cancer, as it allows doctors to visually examine the entire colon and rectum for any abnormalities [7].

References:

[1] Oct 29, 2024 — Stool tests. Both polyps and colorectal cancers can bleed, and stool tests check for tiny amounts of blood in feces (stool) that cannot be seen ...

[4] A colonoscopy is the most common test used to diagnose colorectal cancer. During a colonoscopy, the doctor looks inside the colon and rectum using a flexible ...

[5] Test options for colorectal cancer screening. There are 3 main types of colorectal cancer screening tests: Blood-based tests: These tests check for certain biomarkers in the blood that may indicate the presence of colorectal cancer.

[7] A colonoscopy is one of several screening tests for colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you.

[9] by FT Kolligs · 2016 · Cited by 295 — These include computed tomographic colonography (CTC), magnetic resonance colonography (MRC), colon capsule endoscopy (CCE), and molecular stool and blood tests ...

Treatment Options for Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Colorectal adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the colon and rectum, can be treated with various drug therapies. The choice of treatment depends on the stage and severity of the disease.

• Adjuvant or Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: For patients with early-stage colorectal cancer, adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence. This type of treatment involves administering drugs before or after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells.
  • According to search result [2], adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemo is often given for a total of 3 to 6 months, depending on the drugs used.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs, such as cetuximab and panitumumab, are available on the NHS for advanced bowel cancer. These medications work by targeting specific proteins involved in cancer cell growth.
  • Search result [7] states that Cetuximab and panitumumab are available on the NHS for advanced bowel cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), remain a cornerstone of systemic treatment for colorectal cancer. These medications can be given through a vein or orally to target cancer cells throughout the body.
  • Search result [8] notes that Fluorouracil remains the cornerstone of systemic treatment for colorectal cancer.

Emerging Treatments

Newer treatments, such as adagrasib (Krazati) and sotorasib (Lumakras), have been developed to target specific genetic mutations in colorectal cancer. These medications show promise in treating advanced cancers with KRAS gene changes that are still growing despite other treatments.

• Adagrasib: Adagrasib can be given with cetuximab (EGFR inhibitor) to treat advanced cancers with KRAS gene changes.
  • Search result [12] states that Adagrasib can be given with cetuximab (EGFR inhibitor) to treat advanced cancers with KRAS gene changes.

Conclusion

The treatment of colorectal adenocarcinoma involves various drug therapies, including adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy. Emerging treatments, such as adagrasib and sotorasib, show promise in targeting specific genetic mutations in colorectal cancer. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan for individual patients.

References:

[2] Search result 2 [7] Search result 7 [8] Search result 8 [12] Search result 12

Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Differential Diagnosis

Colorectal adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms with other conditions. A differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other possible causes and confirm the presence of colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Possible Differential Diagnoses

• Colonic Diverticulitis: This condition involves inflammation of the diverticula, small pouches in the wall of the colon. It can present with similar symptoms to colorectal adenocarcinoma, such as abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits [5].
• Large Bowel Obstruction: A blockage in the large intestine can cause symptoms like constipation, abdominal pain, and vomiting. This condition can be caused by various factors, including tumors, inflammation, or foreign bodies [5].
• Colonic Perforation from Foreign Body (FB): The presence of a foreign body in the colon can lead to perforation, which may mimic the symptoms of colorectal adenocarcinoma [5].

Diagnostic Considerations

A diagnosis of colorectal cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the disease, accuracy of screening tests or diagnostic tests, and patient symptoms. Imaging differential diagnosis is also essential in ruling out other possible causes [5].

References:

• [1] Moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma shows 50-95% gland formation. Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma is mostly solid with <50% gland formation [2].
• [3] A diagnosis of colorectal cancer depends on the stage, accuracy of the screening test or diagnostic test and symptoms of the patient [4].
• [5] Colonic perforation from FB with colonoscopic concern for malignancy, colonic diverticulitis, large bowel obstruction are possible differential diagnoses for colorectal adenocarcinoma.
• [6] CRC can be diagnosed after the onset of symptoms or through screening asymptomatic individuals.