Colorectal carcinomas are malignant tumors of the colon and rectum ("colorectal cancer"). Colorectal cancer represents the second most common tumor disease in men and women, although men are affected a little more often. Usually, it develops from benign preliminary stages of cancer, so-called polyps. Ideally, within the scope of a preventive colonoscopy, which is paid by the German statutory health insurance funds for people from the age of 55, the development of colorectal cancer can be prevented by the removal of these polyps. Tumors in the small intestine or other forms of colorectal cancer are less common.
The chances of recovering from colorectal cancer depend directly on the stage of the disease. The earlier the tumor is detected, the better are the chances of a complete surgical removal. Often the colorectal tumor has already spread when it is first detected (for example, into the lymph nodes, liver, or lung). In this case, it is especially important to receive optimal diagnostics and treatment by an interdisciplinary team of specialists for colorectal cancer.