Synchronous triple primary colorectal cancer: a rare case report from a rural tibetan population

Synchronous multiple colorectal cancers (SMCRC) are rare and defined as distinct malignant tumors occurring simultaneously in the colon and rectum without evidence of metastasis from one tumor to another. This case report presents a 69 year-old Tibetan male admitted with acute abdominal pain, abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting. Imaging studies and colonoscopy revealed synchronous cancers in the rectum, sigmoid colon, and transverse colon, all pathologically confirmed as moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas. The patient underwent a multisegment colectomy with complete resection of all tumors. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and no recurrence was reported during follow-up. This case underscores the importance of thorough diagnostic and surgical strategies for SMCRC, particularly in emergency presentations where limited diagnostic modalities may pose challenges.