Colon cancer in pregnancy. A case report

Abstract

Background: Carcinoma of the colon diagnosed during pregnancy is very rare. Delayed diagnosis is common because of the similarity between early signs and symptoms of colon cancer and gastrointestinal complaints often experienced by pregnant women. We report a case of early-stage colon cancer in pregnancy with a good outcome.

Case: A 35-year-old woman presented with rectal bleeding at 26 weeks of gestation. Initial assessment with digital examination and proctoscopy revealed only a mild degree of hemorrhoids. Colonoscopy and biopsy at 30 weeks of gestation showed sigmoid colon cancer. Cesarean section was performed after steroid therapy. Subtotal colectomy and ileosigmoid anastomosis were then performed at the same setting. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was given. There was no evidence of recurrence at this writing, 28 months after surgery.

Conclusion: Colon cancer is a rare complication of pregnancy. The associated poor prognosis is usually due to delay in diagnosis. A high index of suspicion is essential, and it is important not to underestimate the patient's symptoms. Early diagnosis is the key to longer survival.