CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, Vol 18, 143-145, Copyright
© 1968 by American Cancer Society
Inguinal Hernia and Colon Carcinoma
W. Clayton Davis M.D.1 and
Francis C. Jackson M.D.2
1 Professor of Surgery, University of Nebraska, College of Medicine; and Chief, Surgical Service, Veterans Administration Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska.
2 Professor of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine; and Chief, Surgical Service, Veterans Administration Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Physicians are treating an ever-aging population in which the incidence of cancer and other large intestinal afflictions such as diverticulitis and polyps is higher. No matter what the cost, every effort should be made toward early detection of these diseases. The presence of an inguinal hernia in the elderly should arouse suspicion of obscure large intestinal disease.
Approximately one fourth of all patients with colon carcinoma observed by us were found to have an inguinal hernia or had one repaired within two years of treatment of these cancers.
Any patient whose hernia is of recent origin, recent recurrence, or is recently symptomatic should be evaluated for large bowel cancer. All patients over 55 years of age should have both sigmoidoscopy and a barium enema performed before elective repair of their hernias.
