4A – Colon Cancer
Instructions
- Describe the biological and physiological aspects of colon cancer and potential chemical treatments or pathways that are affected.
- Discuss the natural progression of colon cancer, or the natural history of infectious or exposure-related illnesses.
- What are the potential outcomes of the disease (recovery or death), and what leads to those potential outcome(s)?
Requirements
- NO PLAGIARISM
- The paper should be at least 1000 words in length.
- Include a list of references in APA format
- U.S. references only
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the colon or rectum, which are part of the large intestine. This disease is the third most common cancer among both men and women in the U.S., and it is estimated that there will be 104,270 new cases of colon cancer and 45,230 cases of rectal cancer in 2021. In this assignment, we will discuss the biological and physiological aspects of colon cancer, natural progression, outcomes, and potential chemical treatments.
Answer:
Biological and physiological aspects of colon cancer:
Colon cancer is caused by the abnormal growth and division of cells in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. This can result in the formation of polyps or tumors that can become cancerous if not treated. The main risk factors for colon cancer include age, family history of colon cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, and unhealthy lifestyle factors such as a diet high in red or processed meats, lack of exercise, smoking, and obesity.
One of the potential chemical treatments for colon cancer is chemotherapy, which involves the use of cytotoxic drugs to kill cancer cells. Another potential treatment is targeted therapy, which targets specific molecules or pathways that are involved in cancer growth and development, such as EGFR inhibitors, HER2 inhibitors, and VEGF inhibitors. Surgery is also a common treatment option for colon cancer, and it may involve removing part of the colon or rectum and nearby lymph nodes.
Natural progression of colon cancer:
The natural progression of colon cancer can vary depending on the stage of the disease when it is diagnosed. In general, colon cancer starts as a small polyp or lesion and gradually grows and spreads to nearby tissues and lymph nodes. If left untreated, it can eventually spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs, through a process called metastasis.
The natural history of infectious or exposure-related illnesses:
Some infections and environmental exposures can increase the risk of colon cancer. For example, chronic infections with certain types of bacteria or viruses, such as Helicobacter pylori or human papillomavirus (HPV), can increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Exposure to environmental toxins, such as asbestos or industrial chemicals, can also increase the risk of colon cancer.
Potential outcomes of colon cancer:
The potential outcomes of colon cancer depend on many factors, including the stage of the disease, the type of treatment received, and the overall health and age of the patient. The most favorable outcome is complete remission or cure, which means that all signs of the cancer have disappeared and the patient is cancer-free. Other possible outcomes include partial remission, where some but not all signs of cancer have disappeared, and stable disease, where the cancer is not growing or spreading but is not shrinking either. In some cases, the cancer may become resistant to treatment, which can lead to disease progression and eventually death.
In conclusion, colon cancer is a serious disease with potentially life-threatening outcomes. However, there are many potential treatments available, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgery. By understanding the biological and physiological aspects of colon cancer, as well as the natural progression and potential outcomes of the disease, medical professionals can help their patients make informed decisions about their treatment and care. The goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient while minimizing the negative impact of the disease and its treatment.
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