PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

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What type of cancer accounts for 95% of primary colon cancers?

Carcinoid tumors
Adenocarcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
GIST

The correct answer is: Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent form of primary colon cancer, accounting for approximately 95% of cases. This type of cancer originates from the glandular epithelial cells that line the colon and rectum, which are responsible for secreting mucus and maintaining the intestinal lining. The high incidence of adenocarcinoma can be attributed to various risk factors, including age, diet, genetic predispositions, and conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. In contrast, while carcinoid tumors, squamous cell carcinomas, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) can occur in the gastrointestinal tract, they are much less common than adenocarcinomas. Carcinoid tumors are neuroendocrine tumors, typically slow-growing, and originate from neuroendocrine cells. Squamous cell carcinoma is more commonly associated with the esophagus rather than the colon. GISTs arise from interstitial cells in the gastrointestinal tract but are also quite rare. Therefore, adenocarcinoma stands out as the primary contributor to colon cancer diagnoses.