• Colon and Rectal Cancers - Introduction
• Highlights
• Causes
• Risk Factors and Prevention
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis and Screening
• Treatment

Introduction

Cancers of the colon and rectum, often collectively referred to as colorectal cancer, are life-threatening tumors that develop in the large intestine.

More than 80% of colorectal tumors develop from adenomatous polyps. These gland-like growths develop on the mucous membrane that lines the large intestine. They are usually either:

• Tubular polyps, which protrude mushroom-like
• Villous adenomas, which are flat and spreading and are more apt to become malignant (cancerous)

Polyps are very...