Endoscopic Description of Colonic Masses in Egyptian Patients Presenting to Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Liver Unit Kasr Al-Ainy

Abstract

Abstract Background: Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer in males and the second in females worldwide. CRC affects men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and is most often found in those aged 50 years or older. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard test for detection of colorectal masses. Its major advantage is the ability to examine the whole colon with high sensitivity for cancer and all classes of precancerous lesions. Aim of Study: The aim of the study is to evaluate the epidemiological and the endoscopic features of colorectal masses in Egyptian patients presented to “Kasr Al-Ainy” Endoscopy Unit. Patients and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study. Evaluation of 6153 patients who under-went planned colonoscopy in the period between March, 2017 and December, 2019 at Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Liver Unit - Kasr Al-Ainy was done. A total of 459 patients diagnosed with colorectal masses and their parameters were analysed which included; the patient's demographic data, cause of referral and presenting symptoms, endoscopic features of the colonic mass lesions including number of lesions, anatomical location of the mass and the results of histopatho logical examination of the masses. Results: Colorectal masses were detected in 459 patients (7% of all colonoscopies). Fifty three percent of the patients were males. The mean age ±SD was 53±7 years. Around 60% of the patients were in the age range from 50 to 70 years. While 25% of cancers occurred in patients aged 40 years old or less. The most frequent indications for colonoscopy were assessment of a mass detected by imaging (26.58%) and symptoms associated with blood loss (22.22%). Seventy six percent of the masses were located in the left side of the colon. %). About 60% of the histopathology results were retrieved, of these results the most common result was adenocarcinoma (74.2%). Conclusions: Colorectal masses are not uncommon diag-nosis among Egyptian patients undergoing colonoscopic examination for different indications at Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Liver Unit - Kasr Al-Ainy. The clinical features and the characters of colorectal masses in Egyptian patients are unique and different than reported in the West. Also, the prevalence of CRC is relatively high in patients under 40 years of age in comparison to the Western countries which necessitates raising awareness of CRC in younger age groups to speed evaluation and diagnosis of younger patients and potentially improve outcome.