Prospective and retrospective analysis of colonoscopy findings in patients with a history of colorectal carcinoma in first-degree relatives
Brzezinski, W.; Orrom, W.J.; Wiens, E.
Canadian Journal of Surgery. Journal Canadien de Chirurgie 33(4): 314-316
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-428X PMID: 2383840 Document Number: 365465
The frequency of colorectal neoplasia was assessed by colonoscopy in 48 patients with a history of colorectal cancer in a first-degree relative. Twelve of these patients were found to have polyps in the colon, including 1 who had invasive cancer. Patients with multiple first-degree relatives who have a history of colorectal cancer were found to be at increased risk, 56% having colonoscopic findings positive for polyps. Of the 12 patients with positive colonoscopic findings, 5 (42%) had multiple lesions. These findings are similar to those reported in recent pedigree studies and further support a genetic basis for common colorectal cancer. First-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer should be considered a high-risk group for colorectal neoplasia. Screening with colonoscopy is recommended.