Crohn’s Disease - CANCER

Posted by Alex

Cancer of the colon is a long-term complication of UC. Its development depends on two factors: the extent of mucosal involvement (pancolitis greater than left-sided colitis) and the duration of disease. Severity of the initial attack, subsequent course, and specific medical therapies are not related to the cancer risk. Colonic adenocarcinomas may occur in patients who have had quiescent UC for decades. Indeed, these may be the patients at highest risk. In Europe, where colectomy is performed earlier, the risk of cancer is reduced.

 
TABLE 104-2 - CANCER IN ULCERATIVE COLITISRisk factors
Extent of colon involved
Duration of disease after 10 years
Surveillance
Begin after 10 years
Increase frequency of surveillance with increased duration of disease
Warning
Indefinite dysplasia: requires follow-up 3-6 months and/or confirmation by experienced pathologist
Surgical indication
Confirmed dysplasia, or dysplasia-associated lesion or mass (DALM)

 

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