Cancers among patients diagnosed as having diverticular disease of the colon.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the incidence of underlying malignancy in patients with a diagnosis of diverticular disease of the colon.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

University hospital, Sweden.

SUBJECTS

7159 patients discharged from hospital with a first diagnosis of diverticulosis or diverticulitis in central Sweden 1965-1983.

INTERVENTION

The cohort was followed up for two years for the occurrence of cancer.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Cancer incidence.

RESULTS

A total of 372 cancer cases were identified standard incidence ratio = 2.4; 95% confidence interval 2.2 to 2.7). Sites at excess risk during the first year were: colon and rectum, pancreas, prostate, stomach, lymphatic and haemopoietic tissue, liver and bile ducts, ovary and lung, with the highest excess risk in the left colon (standard incidence ratio = 17.8; 95% CI 12.7 to 24.1).

CONCLUSION

Malignant diseases, especially colorectal cancer, are relatively common among patients with a clinical diagnosis of diverticulosis or diverticulitis of the colon. This may indicate a need for a change in current clinical practice.