AIM: To evaluate the family history and the characteristics of the tumors in two different groups of patients, divided by age, questioning the necessity of extensive colectomy for the adequate treatment. METHODS: One hundred and six patients were analyzed retrospectively by hospital chart review or phone contact either with the patient or a next of keen; all were operated at the University Hospital of the "Universidade Federal do Paraná" (Brazil).These patients were divided in Group A (n=51) below 55 years old, and Group B (n=55) with age above 55 years. All patients were analyzed for first degree relatives with history of colon and rectal cancer and cancer history in other organs; number of relatives with colon and rectal cancer; the location of the tumors in the colon; the TNM staging; the occurrence of other malignant neoplasias for each patient; and the death rate for the period of the study. RESULTS: On group A, 16 (31.4%) patients had relatives with colorectal cancer; on group B, 7 (12.7%) (p=0,032). On group A, 16 (31.4%) patients had relatives with other types of malignant neoplasias, and on group B, 19 (34.5%) (p=0.837). When it was considered only cancers related to the HNPCC syndrome, as endometrium and stomach, 5 (9.8%) patients were found on group A and 3 (5.9%) on group B (p=0.477). On group A, 3 (5.8%) patients had tumors related to colon and rectal cancers, as stomach, kidney and bladder. On group B, 3 (5.4%) patients, but these tumors were in the breast and prostate (p=0.624). On group A, there were more patients with stage III cancers (41.2%) and on group B, stage II cancers were more prevalent (51.9%) (p=0.480). The death rate was 19.6% on group A and 32.7% on group B (p=0.185). CONCLUSION: Patients under 55 years of age have an increased family history of colon and rectal cancer when compared to the ones above the age of 55; those could be related to the HNPCC syndrome. These patients can benefit from an extended colectomy.
family history; age; colorectal cancer; colectomy
