The colorectal cancer pathology report is an important basis for oncologists to formulate follow-up treatment plans. However, many colorectal cancer patients and their families are difficult to read due to the strong professionalism of pathological reports. In order to help people to have better understanding of the medical terminology in the report, we have collated the common terms in the report for preliminary interpretation.

If you want to know more about the report on colorectal cancer, you can make an appointment online online or contact our Manila office at 02-8-822122 (Manila Office) or 0917-599-2277 (Cebu Office), professional oncologists will help to answer your questions.

1. What is Cecum, Ascending Colon, Transverse Colon, Descending Colon, Sigmoid Colon, or Rectum?

This is all the components of the large intestine. The cecum is the starting point of the colon. The small intestine sends food into the large intestine via the cecum. The ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon are other parts of the colon behind the cecum. At the end of the colon is the rectum, where the waste after digestion and absorption of food is stored until it is excreted through the anus.

2. What is Colon Adenocarcinoma (or Rectal Adenocarcinoma)?

Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that generated in glandular cells, which produce mucus to lubricate colon and rectum. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of colon and rectal cancer. Adenocarcinoma accounts for more than 95% of colorectal cancer. Adenocarcinomas of certain subtypes, such as signet ring cells and mucinous adenocarcinomas, have poor prognosis.

3. What is the TNM Staging of Colorectal Cancer?

TNM staging is the most commonly used method of staging a tumor.

T refers to tumor (Tumor), tumor size and location, followed by T1 ~ T4;

N refers to regional lymph nodes, whether the lymph nodes around the tumor are involved or not, which is represented by N1~N2 in order.

M refers to Metastasis, whether the tumor has metastasized to other parts of the body. This is expressed in order of M0~M1.

According to the tumor TNM stage, the final specific stage of colorectal cancer can be obtained.

4. What is Invasive Cancer?

Invasive cancer is what we call real cancer because they can spread to other parts of the body. Infiltration indicates that the cancer cells have invaded and infiltrated deeper from the site of occurrence.

Note: Invasive carcinoma is usually represented by T in clinical stages, and T1, T2, T3, and T4 are subdivisions of degree of infiltration.

5. What is Differentiation?

Differentiation is a grade of cancer, which is based on the degree of abnormality of the cells observed under the microscope and is usually divided into 3 levels: highly differentiated (low grade); moderately differentiated (middle grade), poorly differentiated (high grade). High-grade or poorly differentiated cancers tend to grow and spread faster.

If you have any doubt about the colorectal cancer pathology report, you can make an appointment online or call us directly at 02-8-822122 (Manila Office) or 0917-599-2277 (Cebu Office) . Professional oncologists will help you out.

Tips from oncologist at St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou: The above is only a partial interpretation of the pathology report of colorectal cancer. We must find a professional oncologist for a comprehensive interpretation on a detailed pathology report, so that patients can receive guidance and treatment on time to avoid irreversible consequences.