AIM: To evaluate the family history andthe characteristics of the tumors in two different groups of patients, dividedby age, questioning the necessity of extensive colectomy for the adequate treatment.
METHODS: One hundred and six patients were analyzed retrospectively byhospital chart review or phone contact either with the patient or a next ofkeen; all were operated at the University Hospital of the "UniversidadeFederal do Paraná" (Brazil).These patients were divided in GroupA (n=51) below 55 years old, and Group B (n=55) with age above 55 years. Allpatients were analyzed for first degree relatives with history of colon andrectal cancer and cancer history in other organs; number of relatives with colonand rectal cancer; the location of the tumors in the colon; the TNM staging;the occurrence of other malignant neoplasias for each patient; and the deathrate for the period of the study.
RESULTS: On group A, 16 (31.4%) patients had relatives with colorectalcancer; on group B, 7 (12.7%) (p=0,032). On group A, 16 (31.4%) patients hadrelatives with other types of malignant neoplasias, and on group B, 19 (34.5%)(p=0.837). When it was considered only cancers related to the HNPCC syndrome,as endometrium and stomach, 5 (9.8%) patients were found on group A and 3 (5.9%)on group B (p=0.477). On group A, 3 (5.8%) patients had tumors related to colonand rectal cancers, as stomach, kidney and bladder. On group B, 3 (5.4%) patients,but these tumors were in the breast and prostate (p=0.624). On group A, therewere more patients with stage III cancers (41.2%) and on group B, stage II cancerswere more prevalent (51.9%) (p=0.480). The death rate was 19.6% on group A and32.7% on group B (p=0.185).
CONCLUSION: Patients under 55 years of age have an increased family historyof colon and rectal cancer when compared to the ones above the age of 55; thosecould be related to the HNPCC syndrome. These patients can benefit from an extendedcolectomy.
