Colonic cancer in Mosul, Iraq - a study of 454 cases over 25 years

ABSTRACT

The incidence of colonic cancer in Europe and United States of America is high, while it is moderate in the Middle East. To identify the different pathological types of malignant tumors of colon, clinical aspects, management, probable causes and prognosis in Mosul area. A retrospective study of 454 patients diagnosed with colonic cancer and treated in the Hospital for Oncology And Nuclear Medicine in Mosul between 1982 and 2007. Tumor type, incidence, age, sex distribution, anatomical sites, clinical presentations, staging, methods of treatment and prognosis of colonic cancer in Mosul area were studied. 454 colonic cancer cases in Mosul area were diagnosed during the period [1982 to 2007].They constituted [1.19%] of all malignancies. Colonic cancer were more common in males [male female = 1.25 1], the commonest age at presentation was the sixth decade. The most frequent sites were the sigmoid colon then the cecum.Most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain, alteration of bowel habit, palpable abdominal mass and intestinal obstruction.The majority of patients subjected to curable resection 69.16% and the remaining to palliative surgery or conservative management, in addition to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, but prognosis was generally unsatisfactory. Carcinoma of the colon is rare in Mosul, usually presented in advanced stage, and hence carry poor prognosis.The common site has been the sigmoid colon