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Death from unsuspected colorectal cancer
1Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, Devon.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Many colorectal cancers go undetected, leading to death. Autopsy analysis revealed 61 unsuspected cases, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic methods for early colorectal cancer detection.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Colorectal cancer is a significant cause of mortality.
- Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes.
- Autopsy studies provide valuable insights into disease prevalence and missed diagnostic opportunities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of unsuspected colorectal cancer in autopsy cases.
- To assess the potential for earlier diagnosis through various examination methods.
- To highlight the burden of undetected colorectal cancer in the population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of autopsy records from the Plymouth Health District over a 10-year period.
- Review of 61 cases of unsuspected colorectal cancer identified during autopsies.
- Evaluation of diagnostic yield for rectal digital palpation, rigid sigmoidoscopy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Main Results:
- 61 cases of unsuspected colorectal cancer were identified, representing 4.1% of fatal cases in the area.
- Colorectal cancer was the primary cause of death in 57 of these cases.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy offered the highest potential for diagnosis (41 cases), followed by rigid sigmoidoscopy (24 cases) and digital palpation (10 cases).
Conclusions:
- A substantial number of colorectal cancers are not diagnosed during a patient's lifetime.
- Current diagnostic methods, particularly flexible sigmoidoscopy, could significantly improve early detection rates.
- These undetected cases underscore the importance of comprehensive screening and diagnostic strategies for colorectal cancer.