Colorectal cancer and thrombocytosis

Abstract

Purpose: The association of thrombocytosis with various malignancies has frequently been found. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relations between the platelet counts and colorectal cancer.

Methods: Platelet counts of 126 patients with colorectal cancer treated surgically between 2002 and 2005 were measured before surgery. Platelet counts >400.000/mm³ were considered as thrombocytosis. The relation between thrombocytosis and tumor size, histological type, lymph node metastasis, morbidity and mortality rates were also evaluated.

Results: Thrombocytosis was observed in 54 patients (42.8%). There was a linear correlation between the tumor stage and thrombocytosis but it was not statistically significant (p=0.15). We have observed a statistically significant linear correlation between the mortality rate and thrombocytosis (p=0.0001).

Conclusion: Colorectal cancer associated with thrombocytosis has poor prognosis but the effect of thrombocytosis on morbidity, mortality and survival rate is not clear enough. Further evaluation with larger-prospective studies is warrented.