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OBJECTIVES

The student should be able to:

1. Describe the aetiology, morphology and pathological consequences of carcinoma of the large bowel
2. Identify five common symptoms of carcinoma of the colon, rectum and anus including change of bowel habit, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss and no symptoms. Discuss the frequency of each symptom depending on the location of the carcinoma particularly with rectal and carcinoma of the caecum.
3. Describe the TNM staging system and identify possible associated findings on examination.
4. Discuss appropriate laboratory tests, radiological studies and endoscopic investigations to investigate a patient with a suspected carcinoma of the colon, rectum and anus.
5. Outline the treatment of carcinoma of the colon, rectum and anus and define appropriate resection levels according to lymphatic drainage.
6. Describe the role of the MDT cancer centre meeting in clinical decision making.
7. Outline the role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in management.
8. In a patient with an obstructive colonic lesion outline the appropriate pre-operative and operative management.
9. Define post-operative follow up to detect recurrence and new cancer.
10. Using Dukes classification, discuss the staging and five year survival of carcinoma of the colon and rectum.
11. Using the TNM scheme discuss the staging and 5 year survival of carcinoma of the colon and rectum.