Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2015; 28(01): 053-060
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1545070
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Molecular Basis of Rectal Cancer

Authors

  • Michelle Shiller

    1   Department of Pathology, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
  • Sarah Boostrom

    2   Department of Surgery, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 February 2015 (online)

Abstract

The majority of rectal carcinomas are sporadic in nature, and relevant testing for driver mutations to guide therapy is important. A thorough family history is necessary and helpful in elucidating a potential hereditary predilection for a patient's carcinoma. The adequate diagnosis of a heritable tendency toward colorectal carcinoma alters the management of a patient disease and permits the implementation of various surveillance algorithms as preventive measures.