Colorectal neoplasms: A retrospective study

A total of 254 cases of colorectal neoplasms were studied. A male predomina nce was noted with both benign and malignant neoplasms (M:F of 4.6:1 and 1. 1:1 respectively). The peak incidence was in the fifth decade. The rectum w as the commonest site for both benign and malignant neoplasms (75% and 63% respectively) followed by the sigmoid colon (11% and 16% respectively). Rig ht-sided cancers presented commonly as fungating masses (74%) while left si ded cancers were predominantly of the ulcerating/infiltrating pattern (81%) , The commonest benign neoplasm was tubular adenoma (39%) while the commone st malignant neoplasm was adenocarcinoma (90%) followed by squamous cell ca rcinoma (4%), Advanced stage on presentation was noted with these cancers, especially the mucinous adenocarcinoma variant. This may be explained by th e usual late presentation of patients to orthodox doctors in our environmen t.