Pathophysiology of Colon Cancer

Predisposing factors: Precipitating factors:

 Age (56% >70yrs Patient broke her right leg
old) Etiology: Precipitating factors:due to falling on the stairs
 Colorectal polyps Unknown  Diet – hit fat/low fibre
 Family history  Smoking
 Previous colorectal  Alcohol drinking
cancer  Lack of exercise
 Ulcerative colitis
/colonic crohn’s
disease Abnormal
proliferation of cells
in the colon area

Arising from
epithelial lining of the
Signs and Symptoms: intestine
 Rectal bleeding
 Bloody stools
 Abdominal pain
 Fatigue Benign polyps occur
 Constipation
 Diarrhea
 Nausea and
Vomiting
If not treated

Continuous proliferation of
cells in the polyps

Increase in size of the polyps Exposure to carcinogens

Development of malignant tumor

Uncontrolled
proliferation
of cells in the tumor
marrow

Increase in
size

COLON CANCER