Colorectal Cancer
Category: 消化器ICD-10: C18-C20
Overview
Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the lining of the colon or rectum. It is among the most common cancers worldwide. Most cases develop from adenomatous polyps over several years. Risk factors include age, family history, obesity, and processed meat consumption.
Symptoms
Early stages are often asymptomatic. Advanced disease may cause rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.
Diagnosis
Screening is performed with fecal occult blood tests or colonoscopy. Colonoscopy with biopsy provides definitive diagnosis. CT scans are used for staging.
Treatments
Early-stage tumors may be removed endoscopically. Surgical resection is the standard for localized disease, often followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Advanced cases are treated with chemotherapy, targeted agents (anti-VEGF, anti-EGFR), and immunotherapy for MSI-H tumors.
Latest Research & Approaches
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown significant efficacy in MSI-H/dMMR colorectal cancers. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) monitoring for minimal residual disease is an active area of research.
Sources & References
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society