Differences between right- and left-sided colon carcinomas

Purpose: Clinical, histopathological, and biological differences between right and left colon carcinomas have been questioned in the literature. The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify possible clinical and histopathological differences between the right and left colon carcinomas. Methods: From 1987-2007, 109 patients with right colon carcinomas (RC group), and 186 patients with left colon carcinomas (LC group) were treated at a single institution. Clinical, histopathological, and biological variables were correlated to tumor location. The endpoint of the study was to see for any relationship between overall survival, recurrences, and their pattern in regard to tumor location. Results: The incidence of distant metastases at initial diagnosis (p=0.049), and poorly differentiated tumors (p=0.001) was higher in right colon carcinomas. The 10-year survival rate in the RC group was 63% and in the LC group 66% (p > 0.05). Recurrences, sites of recurrence, the in-hospital mortality and morbidity were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The biological behavior of right and left colon carcinomas is similar despite minor histopathological differences that do not influence survival and development of recurrences.