Background
The aim of our study is to determine the proportion of iron deficiency anaemia in patients with right colon cancer at diagnosis and to remind of the need of investigation of the large bowel in patients presenting with anaemia.
Patients and methods
From 1988 to 2003, 86 patients with right colon cancer underwent operative management.
Results
Seventy-five patients (87.2%) with right colon cancer had anaemia at diagnosis. The mean Ht value was 33.00% (ranging from 16 to 47%).
Conclusions
Iron deficiency anaemia is a common symptom of right colon cancer. During the evaluation of patients with iron deficiency anaemia, examination of the right colon is needed.
Key words
Anaemia - Right colon cancer