Colorectal Cancer: New Perspectives

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the gastrointestinal malignant tumors that carries relatively poor prognosis. It represents one of the most common cancers in males and the third commonest cancer among females worldwide. Various factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer such as adenomatous polyps and personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Early colorectal carcinoma is usually asymptomatic. Bleeding from the rectum is the most common presenting symptom. Intestinal obstruction and distant metastasis are life threatening complications of colorectal carcinoma. Accurate diagnosis is achieved by sampling of areas of the colon suspicious for possible tumor development during colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Lines of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and biologic treatment. This review sheds light on colorectal carcinoma regarding its prevalence, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and possible lines of management.