Prognostic Indicators in Rectal Carcinoma. An evaluation of Clinicopathological Variables, Tumour Markers and Tumour Stage

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is today the most common malignant disease in Sweden, (Cancer Incidence of Sweden, 1984), considering both sexes combined. Thirty-five to forty per cent of all tumours in the large bowel are situated in the rectum or rectosigmoid, where 95-96 % are adeno-carcinomas. In a few per cent (3-4 % ) the tumour originates from the epithelium of the anal canal. In rare cases a carcinoid, sarcoma or malignant lymphoma may occur in the rectum.