Colorectal carcinoma in young adults: Clinicopathological study in Mosul

ABSTRACT

A clinicopathoIogical study of young patients with colorectal carcinoma, aged 40 Years and under, were studied during the period [1984 - 1990]. There were 83 patients Out of 200 with colorectal cancer in this age group [41.5%]. This percentage was found to be higher than those reported by other workers. The explanation for that and the Dukes staging of such patients was considered and discussed. The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and changes in bowel habits. The histological pattern was mostly of moderately [38.6%] and poorly differentiated [39.7%] types with mucinous changes. It was concluded that such tumours in this age group is much higher in this country [North of Iraq] than those- reported in other countries and the incidence of the mucinous variety is higher too. This finding is reflected in the Dukes staging of such patients where roost of them were staged B and. C. Proper follow up and satisfactory recording is essential to assess prognosis