Question

A 82 year old female with a history of uterine cancer was admitted to the hospital. At that time, she went through hysterectomy, followed by radiation. Since then, she has been relatively healthy until now. She has developed abdominal pain, fatigue, and loss of energy. All tests were negative. Occasional vomitting developed, and weight loss occurred.  
Still all tests were negative. A colonscopy was performed, and a malignant tumor was located. Only a small portion of the tumor was able to be removed. A colonstomy was created, and the patient was able to eat better and gain some weight. Chemotherapy was not an option.

1. What was the most likely origin of the colon cancer?

2. What are some typical signs and symptoms of colon cancer?

3. What is the name of the tumor marker than is often elevated?

4. The American Cancer Society recommends an annual occult blood for all those older than 40. What is an occult blood test?

5. Explain what a colonstomy is. When is it indicated?

Answer 1

1, Previous radiation therapy for uterine cancer is the origin of this patient colon cancer. It increased the risk of colon cancer when radiation therapy directed at the abdomen to treat uterine cancer.
2, Patient with colon cancer have signs and symptoms of rectal bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, abdomen cramps, weakness, and weight loss.
3, Tumor markers is a substance found in the blood in the case of colorectal cancer. Carcinoembryonic antigen is the most common tumor marker in colon cancer.
4, Occult blood test for testing blood in feces in case of rectal bleeding due to cancer in the colon, digestive problem and any abnormal growth. A positive occult blood test indicates abnormal bleeding in the digestive tract.
5, Colonostomy is opening in the abdominal walls during surgery to brought colon through this opening to make a stoma. colonostomy indicated for the case of colorectal cancer, gangrenous sigmoid volvulus, blunt injury to the abdomen, advance anorectal cancer, ileosigmoid knotting, perineal injury and penetrating abdomen injury.