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Colon carcinoma during pregnancy: a lethal coincidence
P Heres1, J Wiltink, M A Cuesta
1Department of Surgery, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Colon cancer during pregnancy is rare, with no reported 5-year survivors among 26 cases. Ovarian metastasis is common, but fetal risk remains minimal due to infrequent placental involvement.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer is uncommon during pregnancy.
- This case highlights a rare instance of advanced colon cancer in a pregnant patient.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old woman presented with obstructive adenocarcinoma of the left colon at 27 weeks gestation.
- The patient underwent hemicolectomy, followed by bilateral ovariectomy due to metastatic disease.
- Despite chemotherapy, the patient succumbed to metastatic disease three years post-initial surgery.
Findings:
- Colon cancer in pregnancy is exceptionally rare, with no documented 5-year survival among 26 reported cases.
- Metastatic spread to the ovaries is a frequent occurrence (25%) in pregnant patients with colon cancer.
- Placental and fetal involvement by maternal malignancy is uncommon, even with advanced disease.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are crucial for colon cancer in pregnancy.
- The low fetal risk suggests that maternal treatment should be prioritized.
- Further research is needed to improve outcomes for this rare patient population.