COLONIC CARCINOMA, CLINICAL PROFILE OF CASES IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

BACKGROUND Recently, colonic cancer is increasing in number, so to know whether any familial, dietary and socioeconomic factors are contributing to the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS All cases admitted with a diagnosis of CA colon in our hospital during one year period was studied. Clinical assessment, USG abdomen, colonoscopy and histopathology were used for the study. RESULTS Total of 132 cases were analysed, males - 80, females - 52. Average age of the patient is 53 years, youngest patient was a 32- year-old male and oldest was an 87-year-old male. All patients had a mixed dietary pattern and no case of pure vegetarians were present in the study. Some of the patients were smokers and alcoholics. Most of the cases presented with features of anaemia with exertional dyspnoea, constipation and obstruction, bleeding per rectum-mimicking haemorrhoids. CONCLUSION Colonic carcinoma is currently an important cause of morbidity and mortality among developing countries. A variety of symptoms may be associated with the disease, but anaemia, constipation, bleeding per rectum, altered bowel habits, nonspecific abdominal pains, etc were the common presentation even though rare presentation like urticaria and metastatic symptoms on presentation are also seen. Early detection and surgical intervention was found to be beneficial for prolonged survival and to lessen comorbidities