Colorectal Cancer - Description



Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. It ranks third in frequency behind lung and prostate cancer (see lung cancer and prostate cancer entries) in men in the United States. It is also third in frequency behind lung and breast cancer (see breast cancer entry) in women. Colorectal cancer accounts for about 10 percent of all new cases of cancer each year in the United States. It is also responsible for about 10 percent of all deaths from cancer.

Cancer can occur anywhere in the colon or the rectum. It usually begins as a benign (noncancerous; pronounced bih-NINE) growth on the lining of the colon or rectum. These benign growths are known as polyps (pronounced PAH-leps). Over time, some polyps may begin to grow at a very rapid rate. When that happens, they become malignant (pronounced muh-LIG-nent). Malignant means capable of causing disease and/or death.

Barium enema:
An X ray is taken of the bowel after the patient has been given an enema containing a white chalky liquid (barium) that outlines the structure of the colon and rectum.
Benign:
Not cancerous.
Chemotherapy:
Treatment with drugs that destroy cancer cells.
Colonoscopy:
A medical procedure in which a doctor looks at the colon through a flexible lighted instrument called a colonoscope.
Colostomy:
An opening created surgically that runs from the colon to the outside of the body to provide an alternative route for the evacuation of body wastes.
Digital rectal examination:
A medical procedure in which a doctor inserts a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum to look for abnormal structures.
Enema:
The injection of liquid into the intestine through the anus.
Fecal occult blood test:
A laboratory test designed to find blood in feces.
Polyps:
Small, abnormal masses of tissue that can form on the lining of an organ.
Radiation therapy:
Treatment that uses high-energy radiation, like X rays, to treat cancer.
Sigmoidoscopy:
A medical procedure in which a doctor looks at the rectum and lower colon through a flexible lighted instrument called a sigmoidoscope.

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