Colorectal cancer

Malignant tumours that originate in the large intestine and its final stage, the rectum, are collectively known as colorectal cancers.
While tumours originating in the colon are most often of glandular origin (adenocarcinoma), tumours originating in the rectum may be of glandular origin or, in the lowest part of the rectum, of squamous origin.
Tumours arising from the latter two histological types show completely different biological behaviour, origin, development and therapy.
Cancers of glandular origin are more frequent and more aggressive than squamous cell cancers.
While 95% of squamous cell carcinomas are caused by a sexually transmitted virus, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the virus is not known to be involved in the development of adenocarcinomas.
Below you will find information on adenocarcinoma of the colon, a squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum caused by HPV here olvashat

Most tumours of the colon and rectum develop relatively slowly, over a period of years.
Their incidence is increasing decade by decade all over the world, but unfortunately especially in Hungary.
It is an unfortunate fact that Hungary leads the world ranking for colorectal cancer in terms of new cases per 100,000 people, with nearly 10,000 new cases per year.
There are many reasons for the spread, development and increasing incidence of colorectal cancer, with environmental factors, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, regular alcohol consumption, increased consumption of processed and preserved foods, red and smoked meats and fatty foods, and low intake of vegetables and fruits being the most commonly blamed.
There is also an increased risk if there is a family history of colon cancer.
Tumours are more common in the over-50s, but there is a trend for tumours to appear at younger and younger ages.
The importance of screening tests (colonoscopy, rectal examinations, stool tests) cannot be over-emphasised.

Colon tumours may not have symptoms in the early stages.
However, the appearance of blood, mucus or stools, changes in bowel habits, changes in stool consistency or involuntary weight loss may be warning signs.
Unfortunately, bleeding is often mistaken for haemorrhoids, often treated with suppositories or ointments, without realising that a tumour of the colon or rectum may be behind the problem.
If bleeding becomes regular and the cause of the blood on the toilet paper or in the stool is found, it should not be delayed and a specialist should be consulted as soon as possible.
Changes in stool consistency or bowel habits are often mistakenly thought to be a natural consequence of age.
If episodes of diarrhoea and constipation alternate regularly, or a feeling of bloating appears, the presence of a tumour is also a possibility.
Large weight loss, sudden loss of more than 10 % of body weight, can often be a late telltale sign of tumours.
Anaemia may also be a symptom, with symptoms of pallor and fatigue, but it may also be discovered by chance during a laboratory test.
It is important to note that the presence of tumours is not usually associated with pain and this may be one of the reasons why patients are so often seen late.

Colon cancer screening starts with an interview and physical examination of the patient.
A thorough palpation of the abdomen and a digital rectal examination are very important.
During the rectal digital examination, the doctor reaches into the rectum to palpate any lesions.
The examination may include a stool test, which can provide information about the condition of the colon before the colonoscopy.
This will be followed by targeted, instrumental tests.
If colorectal cancer is suspected, a colonoscopy is always mandatory.
About colonoscopy here here.
The scan gives an overview of the entire colon and allows the doctor to take a histological sample (biopsy) or even remove entire polyps.
The result of the histological sampling will determine the further therapy.
If a colonoscopy reveals a strong suspicion of colorectal cancer, or if the histological examination confirms it, further imaging tests (CT, MR) may be necessary to determine the extent of the tumour and the presence of metastases.

The treatment of colorectal cancer is complex, depending on the location of the tumour, its extent, the presence of metastases, the biological behaviour of the tumour and the general condition of the patient.
In each case, the therapeutic protocol is decided by a team of different specialists, known as a
oncoteam.
In most cases, surgical treatment is the central part of the treatment, to be complemented by oncological therapy as necessary, as decided by the oncoteam.

Colon and rectal tumours are among the best and most effectively screened diseases.
The aim of screening is to detect any growths of mucous membranes or polyps before cancer develops.
Lesions detected at this stage can be cured and regular screening can prevent the development of cancer.