J Korean Geriatr Soc.
2010 Sep;14(3):147-154. 10.4235/jkgs.2010.14.3.147.
Distinct Characteristics of Colorectal Cancer and Frequency of Right Colon Cancer in Elderly Patients of Korea
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- 2Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea. dhljohn@snubh.org
- KMID: 2015196
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.4235/jkgs.2010.14.3.147
Abstract
- BACKGROUND
The incidence of colorectal cancer in elderly is on the rise as colorectal cancer is increasing in prevalence. To come up with a proper screening guideline for the elderly, we collected basic data by comparing the clinical characteristics of colorectal cancer of younger patients with those of elderly patients.
METHODS
A total of 899 patients diagnosed with primary colorectal cancer at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between May 2003 and January 2009 were enrolled. Operative and pathologic reports, colonoscopic records, and case notes of each patient were reviewed. Tumors located in cecum, ascending colon and transverse colon were classified as right colon cancer.
RESULTS
The median age of the patients was 61.4 years old (range, 27 to 87). Of the 899 enrolled patients, 369 (41.0%) were 65 years old or older (older group). The Colon cancer affected a higher proportion of the older group than the young group (29.0% vs. 21.1%, p=0.007) while mucinous adenocarcinoma was found significantly more often in the young group when compared with the older group (2.2% vs. 5.9%, p=0.007). Hemoglobin level at diagnosis was also lower in the older group compared to the young group (mean+/-SD, 12.2+/-2.45 vs. 13.0+/-2.28, p<0.001). In addition, there was a female predominance in right colon cancer in terms of gender (28.7% vs. 21.5%, p=0.014).
CONCLUSION
In overall analyses, right colon cancer was more common in elderly and female patients. Total colonoscopic surveillance should be considered for the early detection of cancerous lesions in elderly and female patients.
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