Adenocarcinoma of the rectum in a 15 year old

A 15 year old with Duke's C2 adenocarcinoma of the rectum was treated with a sphincter-saving surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation. The patient is alive and has been disease-free for over 5 years. Adenocarcinoma of the colon is a virulent disease in children and has a poor prognosis. The reasons for this are explored, and a literature review is included.