| [ Summary ] |
At the 49th meeting of the JSCCR, we reported on "Small invasive colorectal cancer from our cancer registry". Here is an update and outline of the report, comparing advanced cancers 2cm or less in size (cancers<=2cm) to ones greater than 2cm (cancers>2cm). Cancers of <2cm in size accounted for 3.5 % of 51,711 patients with solitary adenocarcinoma, who had surgery between 1978 and 1994. During the period investigated, cancers <=2cm gradually increased. Cancers <=2cm accounted for 13.1 % of invading mp cancers while they were less common among cancers invading beyond mp. Cancers of <=2cm in size had a peak in age distribution ranging from the 50's to the 60's and they were most frequently found in the left colon. Metastasis was less frequent and the curative resection rate was higher in cancers of <=2cm in size than in >2cm in size. Prognosis of patients with cancers of <=2cm in size was significantly better than for those with cancers of >2cm in size. However, metastasis, curative resection rates and survival rates between the two groups generally did not differ when the grade of penetration into the bowel wall was adjusted. In conclusion, even though tumor size may be small, an accurate diagnosis, in terms of cancer penetration into the bowel wall, is essential for proper surgical procedures. |