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Colorectal carcinoma and myelopathy
The Journal of the American Paraplegia Society
|April 1, 1984
Summary
Veterans with myelopathy (spinal cord injury) have a higher incidence of colorectal carcinoma. These cancers are more often located in the proximal colon and diagnosed at later stages in this population.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Myelopathy, particularly in veterans, may influence the risk and characteristics of colorectal carcinoma.
- Previous studies have not extensively detailed colorectal cancer incidence and pathology in this specific demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and pathological features of colorectal carcinoma in a cohort of veterans with myelopathy.
- To compare these features with non-paralyzed male populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective record review of 1023 male veterans with myelopathy hospitalized between 1973 and 1983.
- Analysis of age-adjusted incidence rates, tumor location, and diagnostic stage (Dukes Kirklin classification).
- Comparison with a control group of non-paralyzed male patients diagnosed with colorectal carcinoma.
Main Results:
- Thirteen cases of colorectal carcinoma were identified in the myelopathy cohort.
- Age-adjusted incidence rates were 2-6 times higher than in general male populations.
- Carcinomas were more proximal (62% vs. 12%) and diagnosed at a more advanced stage (Dukes Kirklin C: 83% vs. 48%) in paralyzed patients.
Conclusions:
- Colorectal carcinoma is more prevalent in male veterans with myelopathy.
- Tumors in this population tend to be more proximal and diagnosed at later, more advanced stages.
- Myelopathy may be a significant risk factor for aggressive colorectal cancer presentation.