What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer includes colon cancer and rectal cancer. Most colorectal cancers start as polyps on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Colon polyps grow slowly and can slowly change into cancer over time.
Very few polyps develop into cancer. So, it's very uncommon to find colorectal cancer on a screening exam. By screening, we can potentially detect polyps and remove them before they have a chance to develop into colorectal cancer. In this way, colorectal cancer can actually be prevented.
Colorectal cancer:
- Starts in the innermost layer (the mucosa) of the colon or rectum
- Can grow outward through other layers
- Can travel to other parts of the body, such as blood vessels, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, or further. The extent of spread outside the walls of the colon and rectum is referred to as staging.
We discuss the specifics of your stage and treatment options with you.
More information about colorectal cancers (National Cancer Institute)
Cancers that occur in the colon
- Adenocarcinomas:
Starts in cells that make mucus to lubricate the inside of the colon and rectum (the most common type of colorectal cancer) - Neuroendocrine tumors:
Starts from cells in the intestine that produce hormones
Colorectal cancer tests and treatments
Depending on your specific condition, you may receive one or more of the following colorectal cancer tests and treatments.
Colorectal cancer tests
- Imaging (CT scan)
- Lower endoscopy or colonoscopy
- Biopsy
- Physical exam by your medical oncologist
- Meeting with your surgeon, medical oncologist, and possibly radiation oncologist
Colorectal cancer treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Surgery
Dartmouth Cancer Center multidisciplinary team approach to treating colorectal cancer
Our full multidisciplinary team of care providers works with you to:
- Review your colorectal cancer diagnostic tests
- Identify the best colorectal cancer treatment, particular to you
- Help you understand your colorectal cancer diagnosis and what to expect with any treatment