Synchronous colorectal and renal carcinomas: a noteworthy clinical entity. Report of five cases.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to highlight the incidence of synchronous colorectal and renal carcinomas and to review the literature on that issue. The case reports of five patients who presented with synchronous colorectal and renal cell carcinomas are presented.

METHODS

A retrospective study, using systematic medical chart review, analyzed the cases of all patients who underwent large-bowel resection for colorectal cancer in our department between December 1996 and December 1998.

RESULTS

Among 103 patients who underwent colorectal surgery during that period, five cases of synchronous colorectal and renal carcinomas were detected (4.85 percent).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our findings, we recommend the routine use of preoperative imaging studies to exclude synchronous asymptomatic renal lesions in patients presenting with colorectal cancer.