Colorectal Cancer: Assessment, Detection and Treatment

Colorectal cancer or colon cancer is the cancer that arises in the epithelial cells lining the rectum or colon. The symptoms of this cancer depend on the location and spread of the tumor. Some of the common signs of this disease are blood in the stool, loss of weight and appetite, worsening constipation, decrease in stool caliber, etc. Certain factors are associated with higher risks in the incidence of this cancer such as high fat intake, alcohol, red meat, obesity, smoking, processed meats and lack of physical exercise. The diagnosis of colorectal cancer is usually based on colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy results. A CT scan of the pelvis, abdomen and chest can detect metastases of the cancer. When discovered early, colorectal cancer is usually targeted with surgery, but in its later stages, treatment is aimed at palliation and reduction of symptoms. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy are some therapies used for treating colorectal cancer. This book attempts to understand the clinical aspects associated with the assessment, detection and treatment of colorectal cancer and how such concepts have practical applications. The various studies that are constantly contributing towards advancing technologies and evolution of oncology are examined in detail. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with the global concepts in the treatment of colorectal cancer.