Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation

Abstract Introduction Etiologic and Growth Characteristics

Tumor Spread and Staging Role of Radiology Treatment and Follow-Up Prognosis

Conclusion Source Information References

Introduction

Adenocarcinoma of the colon is a common and all too often fatal disease. It is the second most frequently diagnosed malignancy in the United States and the second most common cause of cancer deaths, with up to 156,000 new cases of colon carcinoma diagnosed per year and over 58,000 deaths per year (1), constituting approximately 11% of all cancer deaths. Overall, each of us has about a 6% chance of developing colorectal carcinoma and about a 3% chance of dying of it (2).

The clinical presentation of colorectal carcinoma is variable and often depends on the size, site, and type of the tumor. It is a disease of the elderly, most frequently seen in patients older than 50 years of age, with a peak incidence at 60-70 years of age, at the time of diagnosis (3). The incidence is slightly higher in men than women (by a ratio of about 3 to 2). Adenocarcinomas of the colon, especially those occurring on the right side, are often clinically silent for many years. The most common symptoms include bleeding, which may manifest as iron deficiency anemia; unexplained abdominal pain; a change in bowel habits; or a change in the caliber of the stool. Obstruction with or without perforation may be a presenting sign and is a poor prognostic indicator (4). An unusual but striking presentation seen with large mucin-secreting villous tumors is watery diarrhea and potassium depletion or excessive secretion of mucus leading to loss of sufficient protein and consequent hypoalbuminemia.

This article is a review of the etiologic, pathologic, and radiologic features of colorectal adenocarcinoma based on over 200 cases contained in the files at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and a review of the literature.

Abstract Introduction Etiologic and Growth Characteristics

Tumor Spread and Staging Role of Radiology Treatment and Follow-Up Prognosis

Conclusion Source Information References