Colorectal cancer is a disease originating from the epithelial cells lining the colon or rectum of the gastrointestinal tract, most frequently as a result of mutations in the Wnt signaling pathway that increase signaling activity. Since my diet is already very low in fat, it was not a problem for me. I asked my surgeon that question several times and in a number of different ways. The p53 protein, produced by the TP53 gene, normally monitors cell division and kills cells if they have Wnt pathway defects. I was a bit loopy from the meds, but I was able to walk, talk, and make what felt like reasonably-sound decisions. By the second day after the surgery I was cooking with no difficulties. The signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer depend on the location of the tumor in the bowel, and whether it has spread elsewhere in the body ( metastasis ). I was even lucid enough to try figure out the best price on the over-the-counter medications. Those with a family history in two or more first-degree relatives (such as a parent or sibling) have a two to threefold greater risk of disease and this group accounts for about 20% of all cases. A number of genetic syndromes are also associated with higher rates of colorectal cancer. These genes are normally important for stem cell renewal and differentiation, but when inappropriately expressed at high levels, they can cause cancer. Beyond the defects in the Wnt signaling pathway, other mutations must occur for the cell to become cancerous. The surgeon recommended I get up and move around periodically to help dissipate the CO2 gas that was left in my abdomen as a result of insufflation. In the final consult before the surgery, the surgeon told me I would be his first or second surgery of the day, and that I should expect to be released to head home before noon. Although I ate jello and chicken soup the day of the surgery, I also ended up eating several items that I normally eat, including peanut butter, which was on the list of foods to be wary of.
If a large polyp or tumor is found, a biopsy may be performed to check if it is cancerous. For the first day, I took one pain pill immediately upon receiving the prescription and another just before going to bed. Eventually, a cell line acquires a mutation in the TP53 gene and transforms the tissue from a benign epithelial tumor into an invasive epithelial cell cancer. This gene is associated with the proliferation, invasion and scattering of colon cancer cells in cell culture, and tumor growth and metastasis in mice. For example, genes encoding the proteins KRAS, RAF, and PI3K, which normally stimulate the cell to divide in response to growth factors, can acquire mutations that result in over-activation of cell proliferation. Location and appearance of two example colorectal tumors. Most deaths due to colon cancer are associated with metastatic disease. The second day, I stopped taking the prescription pain medication and switched to Tylenol, which I took once in the morning, once at lunch, and once before going to bed. Some genes are oncogenes: they are overexpressed in colorectal cancer. The day after the surgery I spent nearly an hour walking around Kroger doing a little browsing and light shopping. Several people questioned whether I would be able to walk into the hospital at 7am, undergo general anesthesia, and walk out before noon. It turns out, my body was able to handle everything that I threw at it. The third day after the surgery I stopped taking all pain medications. I posted about my conditions before, during, and after surgery. I was up and walking around at home the day of the surgery with no troubles.
