Cancers among patients diagnosed as having diverticular disease of the colon.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the incidence of underlying malignancy in patients with a diagnosis of diverticular disease of the colon.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort study.


METHODS
University hospital, Sweden.


METHODS
7159 patients discharged from hospital with a first diagnosis of diverticulosis or diverticulitis in central Sweden 1965-1983.


METHODS
The cohort was followed up for two years for the occurrence of cancer.


METHODS
Cancer incidence.


RESULTS
A total of 372 cancer cases were identified standard incidence ratio = 2.4; 95% confidence interval 2.2 to 2.7). Sites at excess risk during the first year were: colon and rectum, pancreas, prostate, stomach, lymphatic and haemopoietic tissue, liver and bile ducts, ovary and lung, with the highest excess risk in the left colon (standard incidence ratio = 17.8; 95% CI 12.7 to 24.1).


CONCLUSIONS
Malignant diseases, especially colorectal cancer, are relatively common among patients with a clinical diagnosis of diverticulosis or diverticulitis of the colon. This may indicate a need for a change in current clinical practice.
Stefánsson
T
T
Cancer Epidemiology Unit, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Ekbom
A
A
Sparén
P
P
Påhlman
L
L
D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D004239:Diverticulitis, Colonic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D004241:Diverticulum, Colon / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies