Colorectal carcinoma in children and adolescents: The experience of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan, Italy

Abstract

This study confirms the rarity and poor prognosis of CRC in children and adolescents: advanced stage and an aggressive biology are hallmarks of this tumor in pediatric age, while clinical findings and outcome in young adults seem more similar to those observed in adult series. Therapeutic recommendations should stay the same as for adults. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment and early diagnosis is crucial: it is important for pediatricians to be aware that CRC does occur in children, in order to refer suspected cases to expert physicians professionally dedicated to the management of this cancer in adults.