Disease Atlas / Disease detail
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum; because symptoms, risk factors, examinations, and treatments vary, evaluation according to the location and progression of the lesion is important.
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Public revision · 925dd6f59f77
A structured guide for understanding the disease and preparing for clinical conversations.
Cancers arising from the tissues of the colon or rectum are classified as colon cancer and rectal cancer, and together they are referred to as colorectal cancer.
Representative manifestations include changes in bowel habits, bloody stools, abdominal gas, bloating, cramping, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue; there may be no symptoms in the early stages.
The primary related factor is acquired DNA changes, and in some cases, genetic predisposition along with lifestyle and environmental factors influence the risk.
The core process involves changes in genetic material disrupting the regulation of cell proliferation and damage control, leading to the accumulation of abnormal cells and tumor formation.
Risk factors include advanced age, personal or family history of colorectal cancer, history of adenoma, Lynch syndrome, FAP, long-standing ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, smoking, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
The natural course begins in the asymptomatic stage and may present with changes in bowel habits or bleeding; the progression varies depending on the degree of advancement and tumor location.
If symptoms or screening abnormalities are present, diagnosis is made by combining physical examination, digital rectal examination, colonoscopy or related tests, biopsy, and a combination of blood and tissue tests.
Since screening tests are for early detection in asymptomatic individuals and confirmatory tests are separate, the stage, prognosis, and treatment should not be determined based on test results alone.
Management is carried out by combining surgery, drug therapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up, while also considering the location and extent of the cancer, as well as the patient's age, general condition, and health issues.
The treatment categories presented in MedlinePlus include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, and in some situations, local therapy or active surveillance for rectal cancer is considered.
Registered trials only show that a study was planned or registered and do not demonstrate efficacy, safety, approval, or standard of care; therefore, they must be interpreted by distinguishing between status and results.
In clinical practice, it is important to verify symptoms and duration, presence of bleeding, history of adenoma, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer, family history, screening tests performed, and current treatment goals.
This material is provided for educational purposes and is not intended as guidance for individual diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with medical professionals regarding symptoms or test results.
A trial registry status does not establish efficacy or regulatory approval.
ClinicalTrials.gov · TRIAL REGISTRY
MedlinePlus · GOVERNMENT SUMMARY
MONDO · ONTOLOGY
PubMed Central · OPEN ACCESS ARTICLE