What is the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer?

The hereditary forms of colorectal cancer such as Lynch syndrome are caused by a mutation in one of the DNA mismatch repair genes, which include MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM. Mutations in these genes inhibit the ability for proper mismatch repair during replication, causing an accumulation of DNA mutations.

What is colorectal pathology?

When your colon was biopsied, the samples taken were studied under the microscope by a specialized doctor with many years of training called a pathologist. The pathologist sends your doctor a report that gives a diagnosis for each sample taken.

What is the meaning of colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. As the drawing shows, the colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum.

What is the mechanism of colorectal cancer?

CRC arises from one or a combination of chromosomal instability, CpG island methylator phenotype, and microsatellite instability. Genetic instability is usually caused by aneuploidy and loss of heterozygosity. Mutations in the tumor suppressor or cell cycle genes may also lead to cellular transformation.

How do I know if I had colon cancer?

Blood in the stool that is either bright red, black or tarry. Unintentional weight loss. Stools that are narrower than usual. Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.

Are all colorectal cancers adenocarcinoma?

The vast majority of colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas. These are tumors that start in the muscle tissue of the digestive tract, although they rarely appear in the colon. They can be benign (noncancerous) at first, but many do turn into cancer.

How long does it take for colon cancer to metastasize?

They don’t need to acquire any new genetic mutations to become metastatic. The research also suggests that once a colon carcinoma develops, if it is going to spread outside the colon, it will do so in less than two years.

Where does colorectal cancer metastasis to?

Colorectal cancer usually spreads to the liver. It can also spread to the lungs, the lining of the abdomen, the ovaries, the brain, and other organs. Recent advances in treatment have improved the outlook for people with metastatic rectal cancer, including stage IV cancer.

What are the main causes of colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is caused mostly due to lifestyle and old age. Other risk factors include lack of physical activity, smoking, obesity, diet and drinking alcohol. It is also caused if a person suffers from inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis and Crohn ’s disease.

What are the main symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Signs of colon cancer. The primary symptoms of colon cancer are diarrhea, constipation or other change in bowel habits. Other typical symptoms include: Abdominal pain or tenderness. Blood in the stool or narrow stools. Unexplained weight lose. Feeling very tired all the time.

What are some facts about colon cancer?

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon). The colon is the final part of the digestive tract. Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon.

Is colorectal cancer a Western disease?

“CRC (colorectal cancer) is something that Western people often get due to their meat-heavy dietary style. Since my diet is almost vegetable based, I don’t think I will get CRC,” stated a Chinese participant in a recently published article by Dr. Sunmin Lee, associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.