Colon Cancer Genomic Pathways

Synonyms

Cancer process of the large intestine

Definition

Colon carcinogenesis is thought to result from genomic changes – mutation, deletion, chromosome translocation, or epigenetic modifications – in genes controlling the normal balance between proliferation (Oncogene) and cell death (Apoptosis) (Tumor Suppressor Gene) that appears normal in the epithelial cell of the colon, leading to a deregulation of the cell homeostasis. The mutated cells can first constitute pre-neoplastic lesions (Colorectal Cancer Premalignant Lesions), then adenoma (benign tumors), and later on carcinoma able to lead to metastasis in the liver.

Characteristics

Histopathological Characteristics

In the colon adenoma-carcinoma sequence, the earliest identifiable lesion corresponds to small dysplastic lesions within the colonic epithelium named aberrant crypt foci (ACF). These preneoplastic lesionshave been defined as crypts that (1) are larger than the normal crypts in the field, (2) have increased pericryptal...