Frequency and Clinical Presentation of Colorectal Carcinoma among Patients with Lower Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Objective: To determine the frequency and presentation of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) among the patients presenting with lower gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.

Study Design: Observational study

Place and Duration: Department of Surgery, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro/Hyderabad from January 2013 to February 2014.

Methodology: A sample of 105 patients complaining of lower GI symptoms was selected. Data regarding the age, sex, presenting symptoms and signs, local examination and location of lesions were noted in a pre-structured proforma. Patients were examined by digital rectal examination (DRE), proctoscopy, colonoscopy; computerized tomography and biopsy. Data analyzed on SPSS 21.0 at 95% CI (P≤ 0.05).

Results: Age of the patients was 53.17±14.90 years (95%CI: 51.28 to 55.05). Of 105 subjects; 65 (61.9%) were males and 40 (38.09%) were females. The CRC was observed in 11 (10.47%) patients of ≤ 40 years, 77 (73.3%) patients of 40 – 59.9 years and 17 (16.19%) cases were ≥60 years of age. Anemia 81 (77.14%), weight loss 74 (70.47%), abdominal pain 60 (57.14%), bleeding per rectum 79 (75.23%), tenesmus 55 (52.38%) and constipation 48 (45.71%) were common presenting symptoms of the CRC patients. Adenocarcinoma was found in 87 (82.85%), carcinoid tumor in 11 (10.47%), lymphoma in 5 (4.76%) and squamous cell carcinoma in 2 (1.9%).

Conclusion: Colorectal adenocarcinoma was most common tumor found in males in their sixth decade of life. Anemia, weight loss, abdominal pain and bleeding per rectum were common clinical symptoms and rectum was common tumor site.