Colorectal cancer physical examination

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Editor(s)-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Elliot B. Tapper, M.D., Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Overview

Any sort of suspicion of colorectal cancer requires regular follow-up appointments.

Physical Examination

Appearance

• The patient may appear pale (because of anemia) and emaciated (because of weight loss).

Skin

• Pallor
• Jaundice (liver metastasis)

Head

• Lymphadenopathy (metastasis)

Abdomen

• Discomfort on palpation
• Hepatomegaly
• Absent bowel sounds indicate intestinal obstruction
• Per-rectal exam may reveal bleeding and mass per rectum