Diverticula, Neoplasia, or Both?

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Abstract
In 105 patients with symptomatic sigmoid diverticular disease, colonoscopy revealed an associated frequency of carcinoma of seven (6.6%) (Dukes A in 4, B in 2, and C in 1) and adenomas in 29 (27.6%), with a peak incidence of 60 to 79 years and an equal sex distribution. In 45 (43%) examinations, the barium enema was inaccurate. The presenting complaints of abdominal pain and/or alteration in bowel habit in 36 patients with neoplasms and 69 without were similar, but significantly more patients with neoplasms complained of rectal bleeding (p < 0.05). Endoscopic examination is therefore recommended in patients with sigmoid diverticular disease, particularly in those aged over 60 years and with rectal bleeding.