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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

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Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy for Endometrial Cancer at Early Stage with Laparoscopy
Published on: August 19, 2021
Deeply infiltrating rectal endometriosis with lymph node involvement
S Rafailidis1, N Symeonidis, K Ballas
12nd Propedeutical Department of Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital, Medical School, Aristotles University of Thessaloniki, Greece. svrafail@otenet.gr
Acta Chirurgica Belgica
|June 3, 2010
Summary
Sigmoidorectal endometriosis, a common cause of intestinal endometriosis, can mimic rectal cancer. This case highlights rectal endometriosis with lymph node involvement, questioning its benign nature.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Gynecology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Sigmoidorectal endometriosis comprises 70% of intestinal endometriosis cases.
- Symptoms are often non-specific and can resemble colorectal adenocarcinoma.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old woman presented with recurrent rectal bleeding.
- Colonoscopy revealed a rectal polypoid mass, leading to anterior rectosigmoidectomy.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed rectal endometriosis.
- The resected specimen showed lymph node involvement, including epicolic lymph nodes.
Implications:
- Lymphatic infiltration in endometriosis challenges its classification as a purely benign condition.
- This finding necessitates careful consideration in differential diagnosis of rectal masses.
