Multiple Carcinomas of the Large Intestine

Summary 1. The literature concerning multiple colonic carcinomas has been reviewed. 2. We have presented data on 261 cases in which multiple carcinomas of the colon were seen at the Mayo Clinic from January 1, 1944, through December 31, 1953. This represents a known rate of occurrence of 4.3 per cent. 3. The concept of carcinoma of the colon as a multicentric lesion has been discusbed. 4. A marked tendency to multiplicity has been observed in carcinoma of the colon associated with multiple polyposis or with chronic ulcerative colitis. 5. We have obtained some evidence of hereditary factors in predisposition to malignant disease of the colon. 6. When the diagnosis of a malignant lesion of the colon or rectum has been made, the entire large bowel must be considered a potential source of malignant disease. An integral part of the management of carcinoma of the large bowel must be constant vigilance to ensure early diagnosis and adequate treatment of both simultaneous and interval lesions.