[Multiple primary cancer of the colon and rectum]

Data of 33 patients operated on during 13 years because of primary multiple cancer of the colon are presented. The frequency of multiple occurrence was 4.1%. Synchronous tumors were observed in 1.8% (15 patients) and metachronous was (following 410 operations) 4.4% (18 patients). The attention is drawn to the relationship between polyps occurring simultaneously with colonic cancers and the following--metachronous tumors. Careful examinations must cover the period following the acute colon operation, as eliminating the cause of the emergency operation other--synchronous tumors or polyps may remain hidden. The significance of prevention and follow-up examinations in the treatment of metachronous tumors in stressed. It was stated that the malignancy and operability indices of the second tumor detected in this way did not differ significantly from the primary tumors. Preference was given to subtotal colectomy as operative principle in the treatment of metachronous cancers of the colon.