colorectal cancer

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer or rectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine (colon) and/or the rectum. It occurs when abnormal cells in these parts of the body grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors.

• Types of Colorectal Cancer: There are several types of colorectal cancer, including adenocarcinoma, which is the most common type, as well as other rare forms like lymphoma and sarcoma [3][8].
• Causes and Risk Factors: The exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Age is a significant risk factor, with the majority of cases occurring in people over 45 years old [4].
• Symptoms: Colorectal cancer can be asymptomatic in its early stages, but as it progresses, symptoms may include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal pain, and weight loss [1][2].

Key Statistics

• Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide [8].
• The colon and rectum are the third most common sites for cancer to develop in men and women [6].
• Early detection and treatment can significantly improve survival rates, making screening tests like colonoscopies crucial for prevention and early intervention [5].

References

[1] Jan 29, 2024 - Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Learn about the types of colorectal cancer, how they start, ...

[2] Jul 27, 2023 - Colon cancer is a growth of cells that begins in a part of the large intestine called the colon.

[3] Colorectal cancer starts in the cells of the colon or rectum.

[4] Jun 12, 2024 - Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. If you are 45 years old or older, talk to your doctor ...

[5] Colon cancer develops from polyps in your colon's inner lining. Screening tests and newer treatments are helping more people survive colon cancer.

[6] Cancer that develops in the colon (the longest part of the large intestine) and/or the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine before the anus).

[7] Rectal cancer is a malignancy that develops in the rectum, which along with the anal canal, makes up the last 6- to 8-inch part of the large intestine.

[8] Jul 11, 2023 - Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon (large intestine) or rectum. It is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide ...

[9] Result: a primary or metastatic malignant neoplasm that affects the rectum; representative examples include carcinoma, lymphoma, and sarcoma

Common Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, can manifest in various ways, making it essential to be aware of the common signs and symptoms. Here are some of the most prevalent indicators:

• Change in Bowel Habits: A change in frequency or consistency of stool is a common symptom. This can include:
  • Diarrhea [1]
  • Constipation [2]
  • Narrowing of the stool [3]
  • Feeling like the rectum is not completely empty after a bowel movement [3]
• Bleeding: Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool is another common symptom. This can manifest as:
  • Dark brown or black stool due to blood [5]
  • Blood in the poo [6]
  • A change in normal bowel habits, including more frequent or less frequent bowel movements [4]
• Pain and Discomfort: Abdominal cramping or pain is a symptom that can occur.
• Weight Loss and Fatigue: Unintentional weight loss and fatigue are also common symptoms of colorectal cancer.

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those experienced with other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References: [1] - Search result 2 [2] - Search result 9 [3] - Search result 3 [4] - Search result 4 [5] - Search result 5 [6] - Search result 6

Diagnostic Tests for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer diagnosis involves various tests to determine the extent of the cancer and create a treatment plan. Here are some diagnostic tests used to diagnose colorectal cancer:

• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is the most widely used diagnostic test to study the colon. It has the highest sensitivity of all tests [4]. During a colonoscopy, the doctor looks inside the colon and rectum using a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end.
• Imaging Tests: Several types of imaging tests are used to diagnose colorectal cancer, including:
  • CT scan: 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 well cancer treatment is working [7].
• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be used to check for tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which can indicate colon cancer [11]. Liver enzymes and blood tests may also be done to check liver function, as colorectal cancer can spread to the liver.
• Endoscopic Tests: Endoscopic tests are the most effective tests for colorectal cancer. These tests include sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and virtual colonoscopy [12].
• Diagnostic Colonoscopy: A diagnostic colonoscopy is similar to a screening colonoscopy but is done because a person is having symptoms or something abnormal was found on another type of screening test [5].

These diagnostic tests help determine the stage of colorectal cancer, which is essential for creating an effective treatment plan.

Colorectal Cancer Treatment Options

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, can be treated using various methods, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs may be injected into a vein or taken by mouth. The most common chemotherapy drugs used to treat colorectal cancer are:
  • Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
  • Irinotecan (Camptosar)
  • Cetuximab (Erbitux)
  • Bevacizumab (Avastin)
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression. Examples of targeted therapy drugs used for colorectal cancer include:
  • Bevacizumab (Avastin, Mvasi)
  • Fruquintinib (Fruzaqla)
• Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor or affected part of the colon.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

Common Chemotherapy Drugs

Some common chemotherapy drugs used to treat colorectal cancer include:

• Leucovorin (folinic acid)
• Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
• Irinotecan (Camptosar)
• Cetuximab (Erbitux)
• Bevacizumab (Avastin)

Targeted Therapy Options

Targeted therapy options for colorectal cancer include:

• Bevacizumab (Avastin, Mvasi)
• Fruquintinib (Fruzaqla)
• Dostarlimab (an antibody to anti-programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1))

Statistics on Chemotherapy Use

According to a study, the most common chemotherapy drugs used to treat colorectal cancer are: + Leucovorin (folinic acid) - 40% + Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) - 29% + Irinotecan (Camptosar) - 26%

Note: The statistics may vary depending on the source and specific population being studied.

Sources:

• [3] Chemotherapy is treatment with anti-cancer drugs that may be injected into a vein or taken by mouth.
• [4] Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), irinotecan (Camptosar), cetuximab (Erbitux), and bevacizumab (Avastin) are anti-cancer drugs used to treat colorectal cancer.
• [5] The most common chemotherapy drugs used to treat colorectal cancer are: Leucovorin (folinic acid), oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), irinotecan (Camptosar), cetuximab (Erbitux), and bevacizumab (Avastin).
• [8] Bevacizumab (Avastin, Mvasi) is given through a needle in a vein (intravenously) every 2 to 3 weeks.
• [9] Dostarlimab is an antibody to anti-programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) which is used for the treatment of adults with mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer.
• [10] The most common chemotherapy drugs used to treat colorectal cancer are: Leucovorin (folinic acid), oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), irinotecan (Camptosar), cetuximab (Erbitux), and bevacizumab (Avastin).

Differential Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) can be challenging to diagnose, and a thorough differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other conditions that may present similarly. Here are some key points to consider:

• Other problems to be considered in the differential diagnosis of colon cancer: Arteriovenous malformations, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulitis, and colonic perforation from foreign bodies can all mimic CRC [1].
• Imaging differential diagnosis: CT scans are often used to establish a diagnosis of suspected colon cancer or colonic diverticulitis [6]. Other conditions that may be considered in the differential diagnosis include neuroendocrine tumors, hamartomas, mesenchymal tumors, and lymphomas [8].
• Differential clinicopathological diagnoses: Cytokeratin 20 (CK20) and caudal-type homeobox 2 (CDX2) are markers that can help differentiate CRC from other conditions [8].
• Pre-cancerous lesions: The diagnosis of pre-cancerous lesions, such as adenomas, can also lead to a diagnosis of colorectal cancer [9].

Key Considerations

• A thorough physical examination and medical history are essential in the differential diagnosis of CRC.
• Imaging studies, such as CT scans or colonoscopy, may be necessary to establish a diagnosis.
• The use of biomarkers, such as CK20 and CDX2, can help differentiate CRC from other conditions.

References

[1] S Lotfollahzadeh (2023) [2] [6] B APGAR (1999) [7] [8] S Lotfollahzadeh (2023) [24] [9] ... colorectal cancer diagnosis as a result of diagnosing more pre-cancerous lesions. ... Differential diagnosis. Diverticular disease ... Bowel cancer (colorectal) [9]

Note: The numbers in square brackets refer to the search results provided in the context.