[Colorectal cancer and ulcerative colitis--which patients should be checked?].

BACKGROUND

Colonoscopy screening has been recommended as the method for preventing the development of cancer in ulcerative colitis. Factors that increase the risk of developing cancer are early onset of the disease, widespread disease, and a duration of over 10 years.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The results of screening have been disappointing. A critical review of relevant publications is given.

RESULTS

Recent data have shown that the cancer risk in ulcerative colitis is lower than previously thought. One of the most important reasons seems to be the treatment with salazopyrine and 5-aminosalicylic acid.

INTERPRETATION: Systematic follow-up of these patients by means of colonoscopy should include those who do not tolerate long-term medical treatment, patients with early onset of total colitis and protracted disease, and finally patients with higher risk of colorectal cancer because of their family history.