COLORECTAL-CANCER AFTER IRRADIATION FOR CERVICAL-CANCER - CASE-REPORTS

Three patients with colorectal cancer after irradiation for cervical c ancer are described. One patient had two colorectal cancers. Three of the four cancers in these patients were located in the rectum and one in the sigmoid colon; all were within the irradiation field. Microscop ic radiation proctocolitis was observed in all specimens. The interval between irradiation and the diagnosis of colorectal cancer was 20-24 years. Its is important to consider patients who have undrgone pelvic irradiation as being in a high risk group for the development of color ectal cancer. Close and long-term surveillance may be useful in these patients.