Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2005 Apr;48(4):1043-1048.

A Case of Rectal Cancer in Pregnancy

• Lee JH
• Nam HW
• Kim YS
• Chun S
• Kim JS
• Choi SD
• Bae DH

Abstract

Colorectal cancer during pregnancy is rare condition associated with poor prognosis. The diagnosis is often delayed because the presenting symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, rectal bleeding and backache are commonplace in normal pregnancy. Management is individualized to each patient. If the tumor is discovered during first half of pregnancy, the treatment of the cancer should take priority and, if possible, immediate surgical resection should be performed. More often the tumor is discovered at the second half of pregnancy, delaying resection until postpartum is recommended allowing the fetus to develop to safe delivery. Thus, it is important not to underestimate the patient's symptoms because the early diagnosis is essential for better prognosis. We experienced a woman at 30 weeks gestation with adenocarcinoma of the perforated rectum diagnosed after emergency cesarean delivery with a brief review of literature.

Keyword

Rectal cancer; Pregnancy

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Adenocarcinoma
Back Pain
Colorectal Neoplasms
Constipation
Diagnosis
Early Diagnosis
Emergencies
Female
Fetus
Hemorrhage
Humans
Nausea
Postpartum Period
Pregnancy*
Prognosis
Rectal Neoplasms*
Rectum
Vomiting