Characteristics of colorectal carcinoma in Kano, Nigeria: an analysis of 50 cases.

BACKGROUND

Several recent publications have shown a rising incidence with high morbidity and mortality of colorectal cancer amongst blacks. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological profile of the colorectal carcinoma in our hospital, a major referral centre in northwestern Nigeria.

METHODOLOGY

A retrospective analysis of all histologically proven cases of colorectal carcinoma was performed from January 1999 to December 2002.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were managed during the study period with an average presentation of 12.5 cases per year. There were 36 (72%) males and 14 (28%) females (M:F = 2.5 to 1). The mean age at presentation was 42.9 years with 36 patients (72%) below 50 years of age. Carcinoma of the colon occurred in 22 (44%) patients and rectal carcinoma in 28 (56%) patients. Twenty (71.4%) of the 28 rectal cancers were digitally palpable. Thirty-eight (92.7%) patients had palliative resection, while 3 (7.3%) had curative resection. Adenocarcinoma was the only histologic type, with 15 (30%) cases of the mucinous variety.

CONCLUSION

There is need to increase awareness through public education about this malignancy and its management. Any adult with complaints of vague abdominal pain, blood or mucus in the stool or features of haemorrhoids which may herald the onset of colorectal cancer should be adequately investigated with digital rectal examination (DRE) and proctosigmoidoscopy and barium enema where appropriate.