Clinico-pathological Profile of Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Observational Study

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, constituting approximately 9.6% of all cancer cases. Its incidence is rising globally, particularly in developing countries undergoing rapid socioeconomic transitions. Despite increasing global data on CRC, limited hospital-based data exist from Bangladesh regarding clinico-pathological characteristics and surgical outcomes of CRC patients. This study aimed to evaluate the clinico-pathological profile, surgical management and perioperative outcomes of colorectal cancer patients at a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh over five years. Methods & Materials: This retrospective observational study was conducted at Enam Medical College & Hospital, Savar, Dhaka, from January 2020 to December 2024. A total of 276 histologically confirmed colorectal cancer patients were enrolled using a purposive sampling technique. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, tumor characteristics, histopathological findings, TNM staging, surgical procedures and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS. Categorical data were analyzed using the chi-square test; p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age was 56.8 ±13.4 years, with male predominance (60.9%). Altered bowel habits (65.9%) and rectal bleeding (56.5%) were the most common presenting symptoms. The rectum was the most frequent tumor site (47.8%) and left-sided lesions constituted approximately 75% of cases. Conventional adenocarcinoma was the predominant histological type (85.5%), with moderate differentiation in 58.7% of cases. Most patients presented in advanced stages (Stage III + IV: 57.3%). Anterior resection was the most common surgical procedure (37.0%). Postoperative complications occurred in 22.5% of patients, with an in-hospital mortality of 2.9%. Tumor stage was significantly associated with tumor differentiation (p=0.0004) and lymph node involvement (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Colorectal cancer in this tertiary care setting predominantly affects middle-aged males, with late-stage presentation and rectal tumor predominance. Strengthening early detection programs and expanding surgical capacity are critical for improving patient outcomes.