THE DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF CARCINOMA OF THE COLON

Carcinoma of the colon presents many difficulties in diagnosis and treatment, and as a consequence there is great diversity of opinion as to the surgical procedures which are suitable in the treatment for this condition and which should be generally followed. Clinical facts which aid in the early recognition of this serious malady, therefore, are most welcome, since, with early diagnosis, surgical intervention gives promise not only of immediate relief but of ultimate cure, for reasons to be mentioned later. A number of characteristic signs and symptoms can usually be brought out by a careful history and physical examination. An accurate diagnosis can be made in the great majority of instances before there are severe nutritional and toxic disturbances and before complicating symptoms of obstruction appear.

Since the clinical picture of carcinoma of the colon varies so greatly, the surgical treatment likewise varies. Because of the alarming symptoms and complications