Colorectal neoplasms: a retrospective study

A total of 254 cases of colorectal neoplasms were studied. A male predominance was noted with both benign and malignant neoplasms (M:F of 4.6:1 and 1.1:1 respectively). The peak incidence was in the fifth decade. The rectum was the commonest site for both benign and malignant neoplasms (75% and 63% respectively) followed by the sigmoid colon (11% and 16% respectively). Right-sided cancers presented commonly as fungating masses (74%) while left sided cancers were predominantly of the ulcerating/infiltrating pattern (81%). The commonest benign neoplasm was tubular adenoma (39%) while the commonest malignant neoplasm was adenocarcinoma (90%) followed by squamous cell carcinoma (4%). Advanced stage on presentation was noted with these cancers, especially the mucinous adenocarcinoma variant. This may be explained by the usual late presentation of patients to orthodox doctors in our environment.