colorectal carcinoma

Colorectal Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Overview

Colorectal carcinoma, also known as colon cancer or rectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine (colon) and/or the rectum. This disease occurs when cells in these parts of the digestive system grow out of control and form tumors.

Types of Colorectal Carcinoma

There are several types of colorectal carcinoma, including:

• Adenocarcinoma: The most common type of colon cancer, accounting for about 90% of cases. It arises from the glandular cells lining the colon.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: A less common type that affects the rectum and is associated with a poorer prognosis.

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of colorectal carcinoma is unknown, several risk factors have been identified:

• Age: The risk increases significantly after the age of 45.
• Family history: Individuals with a family history of colon cancer are at higher risk.
• Genetic predisposition: Certain genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome, increase the risk.
• Diet and lifestyle: A diet high in red meat, low in fiber, and lack of physical activity may contribute to the development of colorectal carcinoma.

Symptoms

Early stages of colorectal carcinoma often do not exhibit symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, individuals may experience:

• Bleeding from the rectum
• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Weight loss

Treatment and Prognosis

The treatment of colorectal carcinoma depends on the stage and location of the tumor. Options include:

• Surgery: The primary treatment for early-stage cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Used to treat advanced stages or in combination with surgery.
• Radiation therapy: May be used to shrink tumors before surgery.

The prognosis for colorectal carcinoma varies depending on the stage at diagnosis and overall health of the individual. Early detection and treatment significantly improve survival rates.

References

1. [5] Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control.
2. [8] If you are 45 years old or older, talk to your doctor about getting screened for colorectal cancer.
3. [9] Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon (large intestine) or rectum.
4. [10] A primary or metastatic malignant neoplasm that affects the rectum; representative examples include carcinoma, lymphoma, and sarcoma.

Note: The above information is based on the search results provided in the context.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Carcinoma

Colorectal carcinoma, also known as colon cancer, can manifest in various ways. Here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Changes in Bowel Habits: Diarrhea or constipation, narrowing of the stool, or a feeling that the bowel doesn't empty all the way during a bowel movement [1].
• Blood in Stool: Blood may be present in the stool, making it appear dark brown or black [6].
• Abdominal Pain and Cramping: Cramping or abdominal pain can occur due to the tumor pressing on surrounding tissues [3][6].
• Weakness and Fatigue: Unexplained weakness and fatigue are common symptoms of colorectal cancer, often accompanied by anemia [4][7].
• Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss is a significant symptom, as the body's energy resources are being diverted to support the growth of the tumor [1][5].
• Nausea and Vomiting: Some people may experience nausea and vomiting due to the tumor affecting the digestive system [7].

Additional Symptoms

Other symptoms that may be associated with colorectal carcinoma include:

• Loss of Appetite: A decrease in appetite can occur as the body's energy resources are being diverted to support the growth of the tumor [7].
• Jaundice: In some cases, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) may occur due to the tumor affecting the liver or bile ducts [7].

Early Detection is Key

It's essential to be aware of these symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience any of them. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for colorectal cancer patients.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7

Types of Diagnostic Tests for Colorectal Carcinoma

Colorectal carcinoma, also known as colon cancer, can be diagnosed using various tests and procedures. Here are some of the most common diagnostic tests used to detect this type of cancer:

• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a procedure where a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end (colonoscope) is inserted through the rectum to examine the inside of the colon and rectum. This test can help identify polyps, tumors, or other abnormalities in the colon lining [7].
• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): FOBT is a stool test that detects hidden blood in the stool, which can be an indication of colorectal cancer [5]. The test uses a chemical to detect heme, a component of hemoglobin.
• Computed Tomography (CT) scans: CT scans can help detect colorectal cancer by identifying tumors or other abnormalities in the colon and surrounding tissues. They can also be used to determine how far the cancer has spread [9].
• Barium Enema: A barium enema is a test where a liquid containing barium sulfate is inserted into the rectum, followed by X-rays to visualize the inside of the colon.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end (sigmoidoscope) through the rectum to examine the lower part of the colon.

Other Tests

In addition to these tests, other methods are used to screen people for colorectal cancer. These include:

• Guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT): This is another type of stool test that detects hidden blood in the stool.
• Virtual Colonoscopy: This is a non-invasive test that uses CT scans and computer software to create a 3D image of the colon.

References

[1] - Learn about the types of tests to diagnose and stage colorectal cancer, including gene tests that can help pick the right medicines to treat ... [2] - What methods are used to screen people for colorectal cancer? [3] - Tests and procedures used for colon cancer diagnosis include: Using a scope to examine the inside of the colon. [4] - What happens during a colorectal cancer screening? There are two main types of colorectal cancer screening tests: visual exams and stool tests. [5] - One way to test for colorectal cancer is to look for occult (hidden) blood in the stool. [6] - A colonoscopy is one of several screening tests for colorectal cancer. [7] - A colonoscopy is the most common test used to diagnose colorectal cancer. [8] - Tests for Colon and Rectal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis · Fecal Occult Blood Test · Barium Enema · Flexible Sigmoidoscopy · Colonoscopy · Virtual Colonoscopy. [9] - Computed tomography (CT) scans can be used in a few ways to help detect colorectal cancer, find signs of cancer in other areas of the body, or determine how ... [10] - Colon cancer develops from polyps in your colon's inner lining.

Overview of Drug Treatment for Colorectal Carcinoma

Colorectal carcinoma, also known as colon cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum. The treatment of colorectal carcinoma often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for colorectal cancer, especially when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Some commonly used chemotherapy drugs for colorectal cancer include:

• 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)
• Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
• Irinotecan (Camptosar)
• Cetuximab (Erbitux)
• Bevacizumab (Avastin)

These drugs can be used alone or in combination to treat colorectal cancer. For example, a combination of 5-FU and oxaliplatin is often used as first-line treatment for advanced colorectal cancer [1].

Targeted Therapy in Colorectal Cancer

Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses medications to specifically target cancer cells. In the case of colorectal cancer, targeted therapies such as cetuximab (Erbitux) and panitumumab are available on the NHS for advanced bowel cancer [6].

Other Treatment Options

In addition to chemotherapy and targeted therapy, other treatment options may be considered for colorectal cancer, including:

• Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor is often the primary treatment for early-stage colorectal cancer.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may be used in combination with surgery or as a standalone treatment for certain types of colorectal cancer.

References

[1] The NCD states that “Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), irinotecan (Camptosar), cetuximab (Erbitux), and bevacizumab (Avastin) are anti-cancer drugs used to treat colorectal cancer” [4].

[2] Leucovorin (folinic acid) is a common drug used in treating colorectal cancer, often combined with 5-fluorouracil [15].

[3] Cetuximab (Erbitux) and panitumumab are targeted therapies available for advanced bowel cancer [6].

Note: The references provided are based on the information within the search results.

Differential Diagnosis of Colorectal Carcinoma

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) can be challenging to diagnose, and a differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms or imaging findings. Here are some key points to consider:

• Diverticulosis: This condition can mimic CRC on CT colonography, but there are two useful discriminators: the presence of a mass effect (which is not typically seen in diverticulosis) and the absence of diverticular disease in the surrounding bowel wall [3].
• Moderately differentiated carcinomas account for approximately 70% of all colorectal adenocarcinomas, making them a common differential diagnosis to consider [2].
• Endoscopy, including sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, is the most commonly applied and efficient method in diagnosing CRC [8]. These examinations can help identify lesions, ulcers, or masses that may be indicative of cancer.
• Computed tomographic (CT) scans are often used to establish a diagnosis of suspected colon cancer or colonic diverticulitis [6].
• High accuracy and sensitivity for colon cancer detection and differential diagnosis have been reported in studies using advanced imaging techniques [7].

When considering the differential diagnosis of CRC, it's essential to take into account the patient's symptoms, medical history, and imaging findings. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to rule out other conditions and confirm a diagnosis.

References:

[1] Context 3 [2] Context 2 [3] Context 3 [7] Context 7 [8] Context 8