Mushtaq Ahmad, Jamalud Din, Abdul Qayum, Viqar Afridi.
Young Colorectal patients present with advance stage disease.
J Med Sci Jan ;14(1):51-4.

Background: Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy and has a high incidence in the West. The disease is more fatal in the younger age groups. The purpose of the present study is to analyze the clinical and pathological characteristics of colorectal cancer in people below 40 years of age. Research Methodology: This retrospective study was carried out in the Surgical Departments of Lady Reading Hospital & Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar from April 2000 to April 2005. A total of 36 patients having colorectal cancer were identified who were 40 years old or younger. The data of these patients was collected and analyzed for clinicopathological characteristics. Results: 36 patients who were 40 years old or younger underwent surgery for colorectal cancer during this period. 65% of the patients had rectosigmoid tumours. 78% patients presented with advanced stage disease, either Dukes C or D and 45% of the tumours were mucin secreting. Curative resection was possible in 63% of cases. Conclusion: The present study show that young patients having colorectal cancer present at advance stage of disease and curative resection can be offered to less number of patients.

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