Mistaken identity: endometrial or rectal cancer?

BMJ Case Rep. 2014 May 20:2014:bcr2013202874. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-202874.

Abstract

A 59-year-old woman with a previous history of endometrial and breast cancer was referred to the colorectal rapid access clinic with abdominal cramps, per rectal bleeding and diarrhoea. CT, MRI and flexible sigmoidoscopy confirmed a rectal tumour and due to its appearance, it was thought to be a primary rectal malignancy. The patient underwent an anterior resection and end colostomy. Histology confirmed a metastatic endometrial adenocarcinoma, which is an unusual site for endometrial metastasis. Her postoperative recovery has been unremarkable and the patient has subsequently been discharged from the general surgical team.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / therapy
  • Rectal Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Rectal Neoplasms / surgery