CLINICOPATHOLOGIC PROFILES, ENDOSCOPIC FEATURES AND OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH YOUNG-ONSET COLORECTAL CANCER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES – PHILIPPINE GENERAL HOSPITAL

 

Aims This study aims to describe endoscopic findings in young CRC patients (in addition to the clinical, pathologic features and outcomes).

Methods This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study. Identification of cases was done through review of the Section of Gastroenterology and Section of Medical Oncology’s patient census from the period January 2013 – August 2017. All patients 19 – 49 years of age diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer who underwent colonoscopy at PGH and then subsequently admitted, with complete medical records, were included in this study. Clinical data, endoscopic and histopathologic findings, as well as outcomes were noted.

Results A total of 80 cases of colonic or rectal masses on colonoscopy were identified. Fifty-five percent were male, with average age at diagnosis of 39 years old. Hematochezia was the most common symptom, with an average of 8 months from symptom onset to initial consult. Majority of the lesions were in the rectum and sigmoid. Only two patients presented with synchronous malignant lesions. Fifteen percent had concomitant colonic polyps. Twenty lesions (25%) were noted to significantly obstruct the lumen. Sixty-five patients (81%) were found to have an adenocarcinoma on histopathology. Thirty patients (37.5%) presented with Stage IV cancer.

Conclusions Young-onset CRC in Filipino patients presents almost equally in both sexes, and is not associated with a personal or family history of predisposing conditions. A delay in diagnosis could explain the advanced stage at presentation. Further studies focusing on genetic profiles can determine the genotypic and phenotypic presentation of these patients.

Publication History

Article published online:
14 April 2022

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