Ninja Nerds!

In this episode of the Ninja Nerd Podcast, Zach and Rob discuss Colorectal Cancer. This comprehensive discussion focuses on the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and management of one of the most common malignancies encountered in clinical practice.

We start by breaking down the epidemiology and risk factors, covering both sporadic and inherited forms—highlighting Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). From there, we analyze the adenoma-carcinoma sequence and key molecular mutations such as APC, KRAS, and p53.

The conversation then shifts to clinical features and how tumor location influences presentation—such as iron deficiency anemia in right-sided lesions and obstructive symptoms in left-sided tumors. We’ll walk through the diagnostic workup, including colonoscopy findings, biopsy, and imaging, and review the role of CEA as a tumor marker.

Finally, we discuss treatment strategies based on TNM staging, including surgical resection, adjuvant chemotherapy regimens like FOLFOX, and the importance of routine screening protocols for early detection.

This episode has high-yield insights to help you excel on exams and confidently approach colorectal cancer in clinical settings.

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and let’s conquer colorectal cancer—one polyp at a time.

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