Diagnosis and management of colon cancer patients presenting in advanced stages of complications

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is an important health problem with a significant impact on the individual and society. Malignancy (including colorectal cancer) is usually slightly symptomatic in its initial stages. This causes cancer to be discovered in some patients accidentally (either through screening tests in predisposed individuals or during routine investigations for other diseases), while in other patients the colorectal cancer is discovered in late stages, when the symptoms are much more intense due to complications. Unfortunately, such advanced cases of the disease have high rates of morbidity and mortality even with treatment. Current treatment methods are usually complex, interdisciplinary, causing significant suffering (physical, mental) to the individual, while the cost of treatment per patient seems to be extremely high. Until finding therapeutic methods that are effective and accessible to most patients with advanced colorectal cancer, several methods of prophylaxis and early diagnosis should be considered, to reduce as much as possible the devastating impact of this disease. The purpose of this review is to present literature data regarding the current methods of diagnosis and treatment of patients presenting to the doctor with colorectal cancer in advanced stages of complications.