Management of malignant colorectal tumours

Abstract

The management of malignant colorectal tumours has undergone many changes over the past 25 years and, perhaps more than any other solid gastrointestinal tumour, has demonstrated the advantages to be gained by close multidisciplinary working. Significant developments in diagnostic imaging, histopathology, gastro-gastroenterology, surgery and oncology have all contributed to this progress. The aim of this chapter is to review many of these advances and, whilst not being exhaustive, should indicate the significant changes that have occurred and the opportunities that exist for improvements in the management of this common disease. Colorectal cancer remains a major problem in the developed world. It is the second most common cause of death from cancer, and is only surpassed in overall incidence by cancer of the breast and lung. Worldwide it is estimated that there are over 650,000 new cases annually, with nearly 400,000 deaths [130, 135]. The incidence of the disease varies throughout the world, but rates of 58/100,000/year within the United Kingdom [27] and 19,000 deaths per year [126] indicate the magnitude of the problem. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.