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Metastatic Rectal Small Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report.
Haisam Abid1, Amrat Kumar1, Anush Patel2
1Internal Medicine, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, USA.
Cureus
|August 28, 2020
Summary
This case study describes an elderly male with metastatic small cell carcinoma presenting as a rectal mass. Despite palliative care, the aggressive cancer led to a rapid decline and hospice admission.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Small cell carcinoma is a rare diagnosis for rectal masses.
- Metastatic presentation in the elderly requires careful management.
Observation:
- An 80-year-old male presented with altered bowel habits and rectal pain.
- Imaging revealed a large rectal mass with liver metastases.
- Colonoscopy confirmed an obstructing rectal mass diagnosed as small cell carcinoma.
Findings:
- The patient underwent a palliative diverting colostomy.
- Chemotherapy with etoposide and carboplatin was planned but delayed due to acute kidney injury.
- Post-chemotherapy, severe nausea and vomiting occurred.
Implications:
- This case highlights the challenges in managing metastatic rectal small cell carcinoma in elderly patients.
- Palliative care and symptom management are crucial.
- Treatment delays due to comorbidities can impact patient outcomes.
