Colorectal Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advances

Colorectal cancer or bowel cancer refers to the development of cancer in the colon or rectum of the gastrointestinal tract. It is the third most common form of cancer. The most common form of colon cancer is adenocarcinoma. Colorectal cancer can occur with age and lifestyle choices. A small number of cases can occur due to underlying genetic factors. Screening is recommended from the age of 50 to 75 as it can be effective in preventing cancer deaths. Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy can effectively test for the presence of the cancer, while its spread can be determined through imaging techniques. The cellular characteristics of the tumor can be found from the analysis of tissue taken from a surgery or biopsy. For individuals with localized colorectal cancer, the preferred treatment is complete surgical removal, through an open laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery, followed by a colostomy. Chemotherapy may also be used prior to the surgery to shrink the growth. Colorectal cancer can recur, especially in the liver and lungs. This book presents the diagnostic and therapeutic advances in colorectal cancer in the most comprehensible language. As the field of oncology is emerging at a fast pace, this book will help the readers to better understand the latest research and therapeutic advances.