[Synchronous and metachronous processes in colo-rectal carcinoma]

Polyps are often associated with carcinoma in the colon. The incidence of colorectal polyps with single carcinoma is up to 25% and with multiple carcinoma up to 75%. Not infrequently both synchronous and metachronous carcinoma are found in the colon and rectum. These findings emanate from a sample of 367 patients (in this hospital) with colorectal carcinoma during the period 1973 to 1977. The incidence of synchronous and metachronous carcinoma as well as severe dysplasia (focal carcinoma) in adenomatous polyps was nearly 8%. In slightly more than 50% of cases involving a single carcinoma, there was no evidence of an accompanying condition or later development. In more than 20% of the cases single carcinoma was accompanied by synchronous and metachronous polyps. These figures eloquently illustrate the necessity for closely coordinated postoperative care of patients with colorectal carcinoma.