What is Colorectal Cancer

  Colorectal cancer is a malignant lesion that occurs in the mucosal epithelium of the large intestine under the action of various carcinogenic factors such as environment or genetics, with poor prognosis and high mortality rate, and is one of the common malignant tumors in China. Malignant tumors of the colon originate from the mucosal epithelium or submucosal mesenchymal tissue. Among them, malignant tumors occurring from mucosal epithelium are collectively called colorectal cancer, which is the most common malignant tumor of gastrointestinal tract. Those originating from mesenchymal tissues are called sarcomas, which account for about 1% of malignant lesions in the large intestine, mainly malignant lymphoma, and rarely smooth muscle sarcoma, fibrosarcoma, angiosarcoma, etc.  Colon and rectal cancer is related to long-term high-protein, high-fat and low-fiber diet, as well as genetics, intestinal polyps, adenomas, parasitic diseases and ulcerative colitis. The main symptoms are change in stool habit and intestinal irritation, such as increased frequency of stool, urgency, blood or mucus in stool, flat and thin stool, straining to defecate, abdominal pain, bloating and abdominal mass. Radical resection is the main treatment method. If the location of rectal cancer is low, within 5cm from the anus, an artificial anus (stoma of colon on the abdominal wall) should be made after resection of cancer, and then chemotherapy can be used to improve the efficacy.  Care for patients and listen patiently to their fears and worries caused by the disease. Inform them of the need for surgical treatment and surgical options. For patients who need to make artificial anus, the patient can be introduced to the knowledge of colostomy site, function and wound condition through pictures, models and objects to enhance the patient’s confidence in the treatment, so that they can cooperate well and complete the surgical treatment successfully. At the same time, the cooperation and support of the patient’s family should also be obtained.