Colorectal Cancer Overview
Colonoscopy
Gold standard screening for colorectal cancer, recommended at age 45
Oxaliplatin
Adjuvant chemotherapy drug for colorectal cancer, alkylating agent
Colorectal Cancer
Cancer affecting the colon and/or rectum, 3rd most common in the US
Adenocarcinomas
Cancer type starting as polyps, often in rectum or sigmoid colon
Lifespan Considerations
Challenges in older adults, related to age, comorbidities, and lifestyle factors
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)
Chemotherapy drug for colorectal cancer, anti-metabolite with toxic GI effects
TNM Staging
Describes tumor (T), lymph nodes (N), and distant metastasis (M)
Fulgration Procedure
Electrocoagulation to reduce tumor size, used for poor surgical risk patients
Risk Factors
Include age, family history, lifestyle, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease
Nursing Interventions
Include prepping for surgery, emotional support, wound care, and ostomy management
Phantom Pain
Pain sensation from severed nerves during surgery, common in rectal cancer
Chemotherapy
Primary treatment for non-resectable colorectal cancer, may follow resection
American Cancer Society
Recommends regular screenings starting at age 50, earlier for high-risk patients
Ostomy
Surgical opening in the body for waste elimination, may be temporary or permanent
Sexual Dysfunction
Risk due to nerve and blood vessel disruption during surgery, affecting genitals
Prevention Strategies
Screening tests like colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and lifestyle changes
Anaphylaxis
Severe allergic reaction, monitored during chemotherapy with pre-medication
Polyps
Small vascular growths on bowel's mucosal surface, can be precancerous
Metastasis
Spread of cancer cells to distant organs via lymphatic or circulatory system
Radiation Therapy
Used post-op, as adjuvant or palliative therapy for metastasis
Symptoms
Varied from early changes in bowel habits to late abdominal pain and obstruction