A Clinical and Demographic Profile of Colorectal Cancer: One Year Experience of National Cancer Institute, Misrata, Libya

Abstract

Background and aims. Colorectal cancer is a major cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world and the incidence is increasing in developing countries including Libya. The aim of this study was to analysis the demographic parameters as well as clinical and pathological features of colorectal cancer among the Libyan patient in National Cancer Institute (NCI), Misrata, Libya. Methods. A retrospective cross-sectional study where all colorectal cancer cases from January 2013 to December 2013 presented to Surgical Oncology Department of (NCI) were reviewed. The records of subjects were analyzed for information on their demographic, clinical and pathological parameters. Results. A total of 47 cases of colorectal cancer were identified. Their mean age was 53.5±13.28 year and ranged from 27- 80 years. About 87% of the patients were over 40 years old. There were 22 males (47%), and 2% of the cases showed positive family history of cancer. The major clinical symptoms presented were; constipation (30%), per-rectal bleeding (26%) and abdominal pain (15%). Majority of the patient presented with recto-sigmoid cancer 38 (80%). The Rectum and Sigmoid were the most common anatomical sites for colorectal cancer (19 cases each, 40.4%), followed by Cecum 4 (8.5%), hepatic flexure 4 (8.5%) and descending colon 1 (2.1%). Adenocarcinoma was the main histopathological diagnosis in all patients; majority showed moderate differentiation 25 (53%). According to tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging of cancer, majority of the patients 32 (68%) were in late stage (M1) and liver was the most common metastatic site (80%). Conclusion. Our cohort showed that there is middle age predominance with slightly higher incidence among females, distal colon disease and obstructive symptoms were main presenting complaints, and late staged presentation among colorectal cancer patients.