Cancer is defined by abnormal cell division without control. Colorectal cancer may be develop in the tissues of the colon and/or the tissues of the rectum (PubMed Health, 2015). Colon and rectal cancers arise because of changes that occur in specific genes and it has been notices that these genes play an important role to the cell cycle, angiogenesis and other mechanisms that take part in the growth of cells (Swan, 2005).
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and has a significant role in mortality and morbidity all over the world (Haggar and Boushey, 2009). Approximately 41,000 people are diagnosed every year (Gponline.com, 2015). Studies show that rectal cancer is more common in men (Boyle and Langman, …show more content…
In the case of the patient he had altered bowel habit where he had suffered from diarrhoea and constipation and blood in his stools. Also his blood tests shown that he was anaemic which can be a symptom for colorectal cancer (Swan, 2005). Levine et al., (2002) in their study noted that barium enema examination has to have a more important role in screening for colorectal cancer since it confirms suspected lesions identified on colonoscopy. After an examination with a barium enema the results for the patient were clear. Then a surgery followed were the tumour and adjacent bowel were removed by surgery which is one of the most important parts of the entire process since it is the first step for treatment (Holzheimer and Mannick, 2001). Histopathological analysis of the patients removed tumour confirmed the diagnosis of an adenocarcinoma of the rectum. Histopathology is the pathological way to stage the cancer by microscopic examination of the removed tumour and is also used for the confirmation of the diagnosis (Swan, 2005). Immunohistochemical analysis for the detection of high microsatellite instability CRCs has very important role. Lanza et al. (2002) stated that studies showed that immunohistochemical analysis is a fast and very precise method to identify the loss of MLH1 expression. Another helpful analysis which identifies patients with colorectal cancer caused by MMR defects is the …show more content…
Screening for colorectal cancer may be lifesaving since it can reduce mortality. With screening tests a potential tumour can be identified and treated before a malignancy can occur. However some of the screening tests have some limitations since they might be unpleasant for the patient such as rectal examination and rigid sigmoidoscopy (Swan, 2005). The tests used for the detection of cancer, identification and staging can be useful in the treatment of the patient since they can be used from the therapists to choose an appropriate treatment plan and also for the identification of more genes responsible for colorectal