Surgical Pathology and Clinical Assessment of Rectal Cancer

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is a major malignant disease of the gastrointestinal tract, which is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of death from cancer worldwide. Histopathological grading serves as a prognostic indicator due to its correlation with the aggressiveness of a tumor and may influence decisions concerning treatment. It is based on architectural features, in case of adenocarcinoma of the colorectum on the extent of glandular appearance. Traditionally, the four-step grading system also used by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) classification is used. Health history and physical exam: Including personal history, history of present history, past history, family history and genetic history. Digital rectal examination (DRE) is a corner stone in examination in rectal cancer. Tumour marker tests are also used to check your response to cancer treatment. The following tumour markers may be measured for colorectal cancer: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9). A double-contrast barium enema may be done if a stool test shows occult blood or if you have bleeding from the rectum, blood in the stool or abdominal pain. Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and lens on the end (called an endoscope). It is used to look at the sigmoid colon (the last part of the colon) and the rectum. A biopsy sample may be collected during a sigmoidoscopy. A sigmoidoscopy may be done if you have symptoms of colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy is done if you have symptoms of colorectal cancer or to check polyps or other abnormal areas that were found during a barium enema or sigmoidoscopy. A biopsy sample may be collected during a colonoscopy.