Colorectal cancer

• Begins as a polyps that arises from the mucosa in colon and rectum. It grows and becomes invasive, may spread to lymph nodes, liver, lungs or peritoneum
• Possible complications

  • bleeding
  • perforation
  • peritonitis
  • fistula formation
  • bowel obstruction
• Clinical manifestations are usually non specific or appear once the disease is advanced. The clinical manifestations vary according to which part of the colon is affected
• Clinical manifestations include:

  • rectal bleeding
  • abdominal cramps, gas or bloating
  • sensation of incomplete evacuation
  • weight loss, loss of appetite
  • alternating constipation and diarrhea
  • change in stool calibre (narrow)
  • lethargy
• Polyps or tumors in the colon have blood vessels that release a small amount of blood onto the stool when it passes by. Stool tests (FIT or guaiac test) check for this occult blood. If the test comes back positive, a colonoscopy is done to confirm.
• Other diagnostic studies include

  • medical history
  • digital rectal exam
  • liver function test
  • CBC
  • CT scan, MRI or ultrasound
• Prognosis and treatment correlate with pathological staging of disease (TNM= tumor, lymph nodes, metastasis)
• Therapy

  • surgical therapy
  • chemotherapy
  • radiation therapy
• Nursing implementations

  • health promotion
  • acute interventions for pre/postoperative care
  • ambulatory and home care