What is the Origin of Colorectal Cancer?

The name is a composite term derived from the anatomical locations: 'colo' referring to the colon, and 'rectal' referring to the rectum, with 'cancer' from the Latin word for 'crab,' karkinos, describing the tumor's tenacious grip. The understanding of its development from adenomatous polyps originated with pathological studies in the mid-20th century. The strong association with diet, lifestyle, and hormonal factors, such as insulin resistance, continues to drive modern research.

What is the Mechanism of Colorectal Cancer?

The disease process typically involves a sequence of acquired genetic and epigenetic mutations that disrupt the normal cellular regulation of growth, proliferation, and apoptosis in the colorectal epithelium. These mutations lead to uncontrolled cell division and the formation of a tumor mass that can eventually invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant organs. Hormonal pathways, including those involving estrogen and insulin, are increasingly recognized as contributing to the cellular signaling environment that may promote or inhibit carcinogenesis in the gut.

Colorectal Cancer

Meaning

A malignancy arising from the inner lining of the colon or the rectum, representing a significant public health concern globally. This type of cancer often begins as a benign growth called a polyp, which can slowly transform into an invasive carcinoma over several years. Screening procedures like colonoscopy are vital for early detection and removal of these precursor lesions, dramatically improving prognosis and survival rates.