Carcinoma of the Colon

Abstract

Clinical Symptoms, Statistical Data and Diagnostic Pitfalls of Cancer of the RectumCancer of the rectum is fourth in frequency in women and third in men of all malignant tumours but is the commonest tumour of the large bowel.The predisposing factors were reviewed with particular reference to the importance of ulcerative colitis and adenomatous polyp formation.The clinical symptoms of cancer of the rectum were mentioned. This tumour is characterized mainly by haemorrhage and alterations in bowel motility, constipation accompanied by tenesmus and the excretion of blood-stained mucus being the most common manifestations. Pain is a late clinical sign and occurs as a result of infiltration (ulcerated neoplasms).The misleading diagnostic pitfalls were pointed out, among which hmmorrhoids, polyps and colitis occupy a prominent place. The responsibility of the patient and that of the physician in the diagnosis of the disease was emphasized.In conclusion, the importance of a complete clinical, rectosigmoidoscopic and radiological examination is considered essential in all patients complaining of intestinal hemorrhage, regardless of the prevalent existence or diagnosis of hkmorrhoids, in order to exclude a neoplasm in the rectum or the rest of the bowel.