Pattern and presentation of large bowel neoplasms in Nigerians

It is generally believed that colonic neoplasms are uncommon amongst Blacks. One hundred and twenty seven cases of large bowel neoplasms were treated at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife between 1981 and 1990. There were 84 males and 43 females. The mean age was 53 years. Duration of illness prior to presentation at the hospital varied between two weeks to three years with a mean time lag of 15 months. Intestinal obstruction was found in 83 patients and these also presented with anaemia. However massive rectal bleeding was noticed only in 38 cases. Most of the lesions were rectosigmoid. Some of these patients accounting for 87 cases (69 pc) refused permanent colostomy due to social embarrassment. Histopathologic appearance of the tumours were mostly adenocarcinoma in 97 cases. Thirty five patients died within the first year of their presentation and management. Twenty eight patients are still being followed up while other patients have been lost to follow up. This study shows that a sizeable number of patients suffer from colonic neoplasm in our community.