COLORECTAL CANCER - occurs when some of the cells that line the colon or the rectum become abnormal

and grow out of PATHOPHYSIOLOGY control. The abnormal growing cells create a tumor, which is the cancer.
Diagnostic Exam:
Etiology Precipitating Factors: Diet, Lifestyle Genetic Mutation of the cellular DNA

1.Activating of growth promoting oncogenes, 2.Inactivation of tumor suppressor genes 3.Alteration in the genes that control apoptosis

Unregulated proliferation and differentiation of cancer cells in the colon and rectum

Predisposing Factors: age,gender,genetics

Growth of malignant tumor

Signs and symptoms occur

Medical Treatment:
Chemotherapy Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy Radiation therapy uses powerful energy sources, such as X-rays, to kill any cancer cells that might remain after surgery Targeted drug therapy Drugs that target specific defects that allow cancer cells to proliferate are available to people with advanced colon cancer, including bevacizumab (Avastin) Nursing Intervention: Prepare the patient for surgery, as indicated. Provide comfort measures and reassurance for patients undergoing radiation therapy. Prepare the patient for the adverse effects of chemotherapy and take steps to minimize this effects. Listen to the patients fears and concerns, stay with him during periods of severe stress and anxiety. Monitor the patients bowel patterns. Monitors the patients diet modification, and assess the adequacy of his nutrition intake. Direct the patient to follow a high fiber diet. Caution him to take laxatives or an antidiarrheal medications only as prescribed by the doctor.

Colonoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a light and camera attached is gently inserted through the rectum into the colon so the doctor can view the entire length of your colon for any other abnormal areas. Digital rectal exam (DRE): A test in which a doctor or nurse will insert a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to check for lumps or abnormal areas. Chest X-ray: X-rays of the chest can show whether cancer has spread to the lungs.

Prevention:
Get screened for colon cancer Make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk

Signs and Symptoms:

A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so Rectal bleeding, dark stools, or blood in the stool (often, though, the stool will look normal) Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain Weakness and fatigue Unintended weight loss