Early Detection And Management Of Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

The goal of colorectal cancer surgery is complete removal of the tumor along with the major vascular pedicle feeding the affected colonic segment and the lymphatic drainage basin. Although segmental resection alone may be sufficient for primary tumor removal, wider resection is generally needed to achieve a sufficient lymphadenectomy. The purpose of screening for colorectal cancer is to eradicate potential cancers while they are still in the benign stage of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Screening also increases the likelihood of discovering existing cancers while they are still in the early stage. People at increased risk for colorectal cancer including those with affected first-degree relatives, begin the screening at age 40 years rather than age 50 years, those with a family history of FAP or HNPCC, Genetic counseling and genetic testing are recommended to determine whether the person is a gene carrier, those with a personal history of adenomatous polyps, should have a repeat examination at 1 to 3 years. Patients who have colorectal cancer and undergo resection for cure should have a repeat colonoscopy after 1 year. Patients with long-standing IBD, should undergo colonoscopy every 1-2 years after 8 years of diffuse disease or after 15 years of localized disease.