CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF COLORECTAL CANCER IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major contributor to the global cancer burden, with an increasing incidence indeveloping countries. Understanding the clinicopathological profile is essential for early diagnosis and improved management.The objective is to evaluate the clinicopathological spectrum of colorectal cancer and correlate histopathological findings withclinical features in a tertiary care setting. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted at the Departmentof Pathology of a tertiary care center over a period of three years (November 2019–October 2022). A total number of 50histopathologically confirmed cases of colorectal carcinoma were included. Clinical details, tumor location, histologicalsubtype, and tumor grade were analyzed. Tumors were classified according to the WHO classification of digestive systemtumors (2019). Results: The mean age of presentation was 52.3 years, with the highest incidence in the 41–50 years age group(38%). There was an equal sex distribution (male:female = 1:1). The most common presenting symptom was altered bowelhabits (38%), followed by bleeding per rectum (30%) and abdominal pain (26%). Left-sided tumors were the most frequent(52%), followed by rectal (30%) and right-sided lesions (18%). Histologically, adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (NOS)was the predominant subtype (74%), followed by mucinous adenocarcinoma (14%) and signet ring cell carcinoma (12%).Most tumors were of low grade (82%), with well-differentiated tumors accounting for 48% of the cases. Conclusion:Colorectal cancer predominantly affected middle-aged individuals, with no gender predilection in the present study. Left-sidedtumors and adenocarcinoma NOS were the most common findings, with the majority being low-grade. Recognition ofclinicopathological patterns can aid in early diagnosis and guide the development of effective management strategies.