Gemella morbillorum is a facultative anaerobic Gram-positive coccus. Discovered in 1917 by R. Tunnicliff as Streptococcus morbillorum. Name changed to Gemella in 1988 due to close DNA hybridization
First described by Professor Bill Heald in 1982 at Basingstoke Hospital. Standard surgical technique for rectal cancer worldwide. Dissects mesorectal envelope including tumour and surrounding tissue. Preserves sacral vessels and hypogastric nerves
HNPCC is a hereditary predisposition to colon cancer. Includes Lynch syndrome, affecting multiple organs including colon, endometrium, and brain. Caused by mutations impairing DNA mismatch repair. Average age of cancer diagnosis is 44 years
Colon cancer is staged using AJCC's TNM classification system. Stages are based on tumor characteristics (T), lymph node involvement (N), and distant metastasis (M). Metastasis can be defined clinically (c) or pathologically (p)
Colon cancer forms in tissues of the colon, part of the digestive system. Health history affects risk of developing colon cancer. Blood in stool and changes in bowel habits are common signs
Sigmoid colon is 35-40 cm long, located near rectum and anus. Primary function is transporting fecal matter to rectum. Also absorbs water, vitamins, and nutrients from feces