Last update:
16-Jun-2006

This paper investigates the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of synchronous colorectal carcinomas, with an up-to-date review of the relevant literature. Patients with primary colorectal carcinomas may have more than one malignant lesion within the colon and rectum at the time of initial presentation (synchronous carcinomas). In 1958, specific diagnostic criteria for synchronous carcinomas of the large intestine were proposed. The reported incidence ranges between 2.3% and 12.4%, in different series of primary colorectal carcinomas. Although synchronous carcinoma has been recognized as a significant clinical entity, its clinical and pathological features and its prognosis are still controversial. Definitive diagnosis is made on colonoscopic and barium enema evidence. Preoperative or intraoperative diagnosis of the presence of synchronous colorectal carcinomas is very important because when they are overlooked, they present as early metachronous carcinomas at an advanced stage and usually require re-operation, in which case the prognosis is worse. In general, the prognosis of synchronous colorectal carcinomas appears to be not affected by the number of carcinomas, provided that they are detected at initial diagnosis and properly resected.

Key words: Colorectal carcinoma, Synchronous.