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Published on: August 19, 2021
Rectal endometriosis with invasion into lymph nodes
Jeong Namkung1, Sa Jin Kim, Jang Heub Kim
1Department of Gynecology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research
|April 6, 2011
Summary
Rectal endometriosis, though rare, can involve lymph nodes and mimic cancer in women with digestive issues. This case highlights the importance of considering endometriosis in the differential diagnosis for such symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Endometriosis is a common condition in women of reproductive age.
- Rectal endometriosis and lymph node involvement are considered uncommon presentations.
- Digestive complaints are frequent in women with endometriosis.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old woman presented with lower abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.
- Initial suspicion was rectal cancer due to symptoms and presentation.
- Surgical exploration and histological examination were performed.
Findings:
- The diagnosis was rectal endometriosis.
- The endometriosis involved the lymph nodes.
- This presentation mimicked malignant rectal tumors.
Implications:
- Endometriosis should be included in the differential diagnosis for women with digestive complaints.
- Rectal endometriosis can exhibit invasive behavior similar to malignancies.
- The possibility of lymph node involvement in rectal endometriosis warrants consideration.
