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

Prognosis

Once carcinoma develops, the degree of penetration through the bowel wall and the presence or absence of lymphatic and hematogenous metastases determine prognosis. The 5-year survival rates decrease with increasing stage of disease, as noted in Table 2, although surgery may be curative in up to 20% of those patients who have resectable metastases in the liver (40,41,71,72,73).

The detection of early, small cancers or premalignant adenomas improves survival and often leads to cure (27). This is the foundation on which screening protocols are built, since early detection through screening has been shown to markedly improve survival (74,75). Unfortunately, despite advances in surgical techniques and in our ability to screen the colon for abnormalities with the use of barium enema examinations and colonoscopy, the overall 5-year survival rate of patients with colorectal carcinoma is approximately 50%, which is about the same rate for the past 40 years (3,73). Recent national trends, however, show an increase in cases of early-stage disease, a slight increase in survival rates, and a decrease in mortality. Effective implementation of screening protocols may increase the early detection of both premalignant and malignant lesions and eventually result in overall decreased mortality.

Abstract Introduction Etiologic and Growth Characteristics

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

Conclusion Source Information References