Carcinoma of the colon in youngsters: a report of three cases

Three youngsters aged 12, 16, and 18 years underwent surgery for carcinoma of the colon, a very rare occurrence in this age-group. In all three patients the prominent feature was a marked delay in diagnosis and treatment, as reflected in the advanced pathological stage of the tumors (Dukes' C and D). An increased awareness of the possible occurrence of this type of tumor in young patients, and the resultant earlier diagnosis, are the only means for improving the prognosis.