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Colon carcinoma in the adolescent
G Sebbag1, L Lantsberg, A Arish
1Department of General and Vascular Surgery "A", Soroka Medical Center, Ben Gurion University School of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 151, Beer Sheva, 84101, Israel.
Pediatric Surgery International
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Colon cancer in adolescents is rare but aggressive, often leading to a poor prognosis. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, including surgery and adjuvant therapy, significantly improve survival rates for young patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pediatric Oncology
Background:
- Colorectal carcinoma is uncommon in adolescents but typically presents with aggressive behavior and a worse prognosis compared to older adults.
- This study reviews three cases of colon cancer in patients under 19 years old, highlighting the disease's characteristics in this demographic.
Observation:
- The commonest histological finding is an aggressive, mucin-producing adenocarcinoma.
- Predisposing factors identified include familial polyposis coli, ulcerative colitis, and potentially lower socioeconomic status.
- Survival is strongly correlated with the extent of disease at diagnosis; delayed diagnosis leads to a poorer prognosis.
Findings:
- Two of the three reported adolescent patients diagnosed and treated early achieved a cure.
- The third patient, despite surgery and adjuvant therapy, died three months post-operation, underscoring the disease's virulence.
Implications:
- Aggressive surgical and adjuvant therapeutic strategies are crucial for managing adolescent colon cancer.
- Emphasizing early diagnosis is paramount to improving survival outcomes and achieving potential cures in young patients with colon cancer.