OBJECTIVES: Ulcerative colitis is a risk factor for colorectal cancer CRC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile of this disease. METHODS: Retrospective data of patients with ulcerative colitis observed between 1996 and 2006 were analyzed for colonoscopic/histological findings. Colonoscopy surveillance started 7 years after disease onset. Student t test was used for means and chi-square to compare frequency. A p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: 127 patients were enrolled in this study, being 40 male and 87 female. Mean age was 47±13 years N=61 (48%) for pancolitis, 45±15 years N=66 (52%) for left side colitis p>0,05 for age. Dysplasia was present in 9 (7%) being 8 (6%) in pancolitis p<0,01. Among displastic patients 2 (2%) had it in flat mucosa and 7 (12,5%) in nodularity and DALM (dysplasia associated lesion or mass) p<0,05. Post-inflammatory polyps were seen in 55 (43%). CRC was diagnosed in 7 (5,5%). 13 (10%) underwent proctocolectomy, 3 for refractory disease, 3 for toxic megacolon, 1 for dysplasia with tumor diagnosed only at the surgical specimen and 6 for CRC. All of the CRC patients had disease for more than 12 years. Macroscopic blood on stools was seen in all but 3 (2%) with active disease by histology p<0,01. CONCLUSIONS: Ulcerative colitis is a risk factor for dysplasia and CRC in longstanding extensive disease with abnormal looking mucosa at colonoscopic surveillance. Age does not interfere with extension of disease. Blood means active disease.
Colitis; dysplasia; cancer; colonoscopy
