Clinicopathologic Profile and Management of Colorectal Cancer In a Lagos Tertiary Hospital: A 10-Year Review

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, characterized by increasing incidence and latestage presentations. Objective: This study examined the clinicopathologic profiles, and management approaches, of CRC patients in a Lagos tertiary hospital over a 10-year period. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from one-hundred and fifty (150) CRC patients at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. Patients’ records were reviewed for sociodemographic characteristics, clinical presentations, pathological profiles, and treatment modalities. Data analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The study population
comprised 55.3% males and 44.7% females, with a mean age of 50.16±14.8 years. Weight loss was the predominant presenting symptom, 82.7% of patients presented with weight loss. Colon cancer (76%) was more prevalent than rectal cancer (24%). Adenocarcinoma was the most common histological type (73.9%). Well-differentiated tumours predominated (58.7%). Chemotherapy was the most utilized treatment modality (82%), followed by surgery (39.3%). Conclusion: Colorectal carcinoma is commoner in males than females, seen mostly in the sixth decades of life, adenocarcinoma is the commonest histological type, while chemotherapy was the most utilized treatment modality