Analysis of clinical and histopathological differences between right and left sided colon cancers.

  • Avantika Kailu,  
  • Bawana Raina,*  
  • Chakshu Mahajan

Abstract

Introduction Right-sided colon cancer (RCC) and left-sided colon cancer (LCC) exhibit distinct clinicopathological characteristics, which may influence their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Understanding these differences is crucial for optimizing patient care and outcomes. Aim This study aimed to analyse and compare the clinical and histopathological features of RCC and LCC in a cohort of 80 patients, focusing on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation and tumor pathology. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 patients diagnosed with colon cancer, divided equally between RCC (n=40) and LCC (n=40). Data on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, histologic type, tumor size, histologic grade, tumor stage, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results The mean age of RCC patients was significantly higher than that of LCC patients (68 ± 8 years vs. 64 ± 7 years, p = 0.02). RCC patients more commonly presented with anemia (50% vs. 20%, p = 0.006) and weight loss (40% vs. 15%, p = 0.01), while LCC patients were more likely to report changes in bowel habits (50% vs. 15%, p = 0.001) and rectal bleeding (40% vs. 10%, p = 0.002). Histologic type distribution was similar between RCC and LCC, with adenocarcinoma being the most common subtype in both groups.RCC tumors were larger on average (6.2 ± 1.4 cm vs. 4.5 ± 1.1 cm, p = 0.001) and more likely to be high-grade (40% vs. 20%, p = 0.04). Conclusion This study highlights significant differences between RCC and LCC in terms of age, clinical presentation, tumor size, and histologic grade. RCC is associated with older age, larger and higher-grade tumors, and a higher incidence of anemia and weight loss, while LCC more frequently presents with changes in bowel habits and rectal bleeding.


Keywords

Right-sided colon cancer (RCC), Left-sided colon cancer (LCC), Clinical features, histopathological characteristics, Adenocarcinoma, Lymphovascular invasion, Perineural invasion.