Survival Rates and Associated Factors of Colorectal Cancer Patients in Brunei Darussalam.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in both men and women. In most Asian countries, both the incidence and mortality rates of CRC are gradually increasing. In Brunei Darussalam, CRC ranks first and second in lifetime risk among men and women respectively. This study aims to report the overall survival rates and associated factors of CRC in Brunei Darussalam. METHODS: This is a retrospective study examining CRC data for the period 2007 to 2017 retrieved from a population based cancer registry in Brunei Darussalam. A total of 728 patients were included in the analysis. Kaplan Meier method was used to estimate survival rates. Univariate analysis using log-rank test was used to examine the differences in survival between groups. Multivariate analysis using Cox PH regression was used to estimate hazard of death and obtain significant predictors that influence CRC patients' survival. RESULTS: The median survival time for colorectal, colon and rectal cancer patients were 57.0, 85.8 and 40.0 months respectively. The overall 1-, 3- and 5- year survival rates for CRC patients were 78.0%, 57.7% and 49.6% respectively. In univariate analysis, age at diagnosis, ethnicity, cancer stage, tumour location and histology were found to have significant difference in CRC patients' survival. In the Cox PH analysis, older age (≥70 years), cancer stage, ethnicity and other histological type were determined as associated factors of CRC patients' survival. CONCLUSION: This study found the overall 5-year survival rate of CRC in Brunei Darussalam is similar to that in some Asian countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. However, more efforts need to be carried out in order to raise awareness of CRC and improve the survival of CRC patients.

Gastric Cancer and Paraneoplastic Pemphigus.

Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a relatively rare but significant acquired autoimmune mucocutaneous disorder that is characterised by diffuse erythema, painful blistering and sores of the skin and mucus membranes. The underlying pathogenesis is believed to be triggered by altered immune system in response to underlying neoplasm. The manifestations can predate, occur at the same time or after the diagnosis of cancer. Associations with gastric cancer have only been reported twice. A 78-year-old lady presented with a month's history of extensive skin lesions that started off as bullous lesions and biopsy revealed bullous pemphigus. Endoscopy for anemia revealed gastric cancer. This case reinforced the need to consider underlying malignancy in elderly patient with new onset dermatological presentation.

Signet Ring Cell Lymphoma of the Small Bowel: A case report.

Gastrointestinal lymphoma of the bowel is uncommon compared to adenocarcinoma. Signet ring cell lymphoma (SRCL) is a rare variant of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is characterized by clear cytoplasm with displaced nuclei to the periphery giving a signet ring appearance. Small bowel involvement has not been previously reported. We report the rare case of a 78-year-old female who presented with short history of fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, mild weight loss with abdominal discomfort and was later diagnosed to have SRCL of the ileum.

Shewanella putrefaciens, a rare cause of splenic abscess.

Splenic abscess is uncommon and is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Gram-negative bacilli are the most commonly isolated organisms, followed by Gram-positive cocci. However, the predominant organisms found depend on the geographic location. Shewanella putrefaciens is a Gram-negative non-fermentative oxidative bacillus found in the environment. Infection usually manifests with a number of clinical syndromes, most commonly as skin or soft tissue infections, typically in patients whose immune system is compromised. Intra-abdominal abscess is extremely rare. We report a case of a 22-year-old female who presented with S. putrefaciens splenic abscesses as the first manifestation of diabetes mellitus, which was successfully managed with a course of antibiotic therapy.

Acute pancreatitis complicated by jejunal hematoma in a patient on anti-coagulants and anti-platelets.

CONTEXT: Pancreatitis can be associated with significant complications. Bowel hematoma is a rare complication and the second part of the duodenum is the most commonly affected site. Hematomas affecting other parts of the bowel are extremely rare. CASE REPORT: A 53-year-old female with a history of atrial fibrillation and ischemic heart disease on anticoagulants and aspirin presented with abdominal pain of a few days duration which had worsened prior to presentation. This was associated with abdominal distension, vomiting and melena. Laboratory investigations showed elevated serum amylase, coagulopathy and severe anemia. Computed tomography imaging showed a jejunal hematoma and pancreatitis with peripancreatic inflammation. She responded to conservative treatment in addition to correction of the coagulopathy and a blood transfusion. Her symptoms were resolved within a few days and a repeat computed tomography scan two months later showed complete resolution of the hematoma and the pancreatitis. CONCLUSION: Our case demonstrates a rare complication of acute pancreatitis in a patient with risk factors.