Colorectal cancer physical examination

To view the physical examination of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), click here
To view the physical examination of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), click here

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Saarah T. Alkhairy, M.D. Usama Talib, BSc, MD [2]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Generally, the most common signs of colorectal cancer are emaciation, lethargy, and pallor Other signs include low-grade fever, discomfort on palpation, ascites rectal bleeding, rectal mass, and jaundice.

Colorectal Cancer Physical Examination[edit | edit source]

The physical examination of colorectal carcinoma may show:^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]}

General appearance[edit | edit source]

• Lethargy
• Palor
• Emaciation
• Confusion

Vital Signs[edit | edit source]

Vital signs are generally within normal limit, but patients with severe disease may have the following vital signs:

• Low-grade fever
• Decreased SPO2
• Tachypnea
• Tachycardia
• Hypotension

Abdomen[edit | edit source]

• Discomfort on palpation
• Hepatomegaly
• Absent bowel sounds - may be suggestive of intestinal obstruction
• Ascites

Rectal exam[edit | edit source]

• Rectal bleeding
• Rectal mass

Chest[edit | edit source]

• Decreased/absent breath sounds

Skin[edit | edit source]

• Pallor
• Jaundice

HEENT[edit | edit source]

• Jaundice
• Lymphadenopathy

Extremities[edit | edit source]

• Swelling of hands and feet

References[edit | edit source]

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