Colon and rectum malignant neoplasms

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is the most frequent malignant neoplasm of the large bowel and represents a major health problem. According to the Cancer Statistics 2010 from the American Cancer Society, the number of new colorectal cancer cases in the United States was estimated at 102,900 and related deaths at 51,370 (Jemal et al. 2010). Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer after prostate and lung/bronchial cancer in men and after breast and lung/bronchial cancer in women. The adenomatous polyp to cancer sequence is well established (Yee et al. 2010). In order to reduce the cancer risk, adenomatous polyps need to be diagnosed early with endoscopic removal of as many polyps over 5 mm as possible.