ABSTRACT
It has become customary in textbooks on colon and rectal surgery to divide malignant neoplasms of the colon and rectum into separate chapters. We have continued this tradition but recognize that the division is purely arbitrary. Consequently, this chapter will omit topics that the two subjects have in common-epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, and much of the pathology except those features that are characteristic of the rectum. These topics are discussed in detail in Chapter 23. General assessment of the patient is similar, but certain items will be highlighted. Therapeutic options in specific circumstances will differ and consequently will be discussed in detail.
