Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Colorectal Cancer
Number of Conditions: 2
Adenocarcinoma
Specialty: Gastrointestinal
Category: Large Intestine (Colon) Disorders
Sub-category: Colorectal Cancer
Symptoms:
blood in stool; unintended weight loss; persistent abdominal pain; changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation); fatigue; anemia
Root Cause:
Adenocarcinoma arises from glandular cells lining the colon or rectum, often due to mutations in the APC gene or other tumor-suppressor genes, environmental factors, and lifestyle-related risks.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Colonoscopy with biopsy for histopathological analysis; imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI, and PET scans for staging; blood tests including CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) levels.
Treatment:
Treatment involves surgical resection of the tumor, often combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy based on the stage. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies may also be used.
Medications:
Chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin (alkylating agent); targeted therapies like bevacizumab (VEGF inhibitor) and cetuximab (EGFR inhibitor); immunotherapies including nivolumab and pembrolizumab (PD-1 inhibitors).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
The most common type of colorectal cancer, with an incidence of approximately 1.9 million new cases annually worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age over 50, family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), smoking, high-fat diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, alcohol consumption.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Survival depends on the stage at diagnosis. The 5-year survival rate is over 90% for localized disease but drops significantly for metastatic cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Intestinal obstruction, perforation, metastasis to liver or lungs, cachexia, and recurrence.
Lynch Syndrome (Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer)
Specialty: Gastrointestinal
Category: Large Intestine (Colon) Disorders
Sub-category: Colorectal Cancer
Symptoms:
early onset colorectal cancer; blood in stool; abdominal discomfort; frequent urination (if urologic cancers develop); unexplained fatigue
Root Cause:
Caused by inherited mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes such as MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2, leading to DNA replication errors and a predisposition to cancers.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Genetic testing for MMR gene mutations; MSI (microsatellite instability) testing on tumor samples; family history assessment. Colonoscopy is often performed for screening.
Treatment:
Early-stage colorectal cancers are treated with surgery; advanced cases may involve chemotherapy. Prophylactic surgeries and regular surveillance are crucial for risk management.
Medications:
Chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine (antimetabolites); immunotherapy options like pembrolizumab and nivolumab (PD-1 inhibitors) for MSI-high tumors.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for 2-4% of all colorectal cancers. Estimated prevalence of 1 in 300 individuals globally.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Positive family history of Lynch syndrome, history of endometrial or other Lynch-associated cancers, and genetic predisposition through MMR gene mutations.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early detection and proactive surveillance significantly improve outcomes. The overall prognosis is good for those who follow rigorous screening protocols.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Development of additional Lynch-associated cancers (e.g., endometrial, ovarian, gastric), bowel obstruction, or metastasis in untreated cases.