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Galante A, Cerbone M, Mannavola F, Marinaccio M, Schonauer LM, Dellino M, Damiani GR, Pinto V, Cormio G, Cicinelli E, Vimercati A. Diagnostic, Management, and Neonatal Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer during Pregnancy: Two Case Reports, Systematic Review of Literature and Metanalysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:559. [PMID: 38473031 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14050559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Colorectal cancer (CRC) during pregnancy is a rare occurrence, with a reported incidence of 0.8 cases per 100,000 pregnancies. Managing CRC during pregnancy poses substantial challenges for clinicians: the diagnosis is often complicated and delayed due to symptom overlap with pregnancy-related manifestations, and medical imaging is constrained by safety concerns for the foetus. METHODS This article presents two cases of advanced CRC diagnosed and managed during pregnancy. Additionally, we conducted a systematic review of the literature to assess diagnostic and prognostic factors involved in CRC in pregnant individuals. The systematic review, with pre-registration and approval through Prospero, involved an extensive search of medical databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and Scholar) and statistical analysis using t-test for continuous variables and chi square for dichotomous variables. RESULTS A total of 1058 studies were identified. After applying exclusion criteria, sixty-six studies were included. Women whose initial symptoms were severe abdominal pain not responsive to common medical treatments and constipation (acute abdomen) had a mean gestational age at delivery lower than those who presented with paucisymptomatic onset. In our study groups, women who underwent chemotherapy during pregnancy had a higher mean gestational age at delivery and did not experience worse neonatal outcomes compared to those who did not undergo chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS CRC during pregnancy poses unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Collaborative efforts among various medical disciplines are essential to manage CRC during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Galante
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Cerbone
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Mannavola
- Division of Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Marinaccio
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
- Interdisciplinar Department of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Luca Maria Schonauer
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
- Interdisciplinar Department of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Miriam Dellino
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gianluca Raffaello Damiani
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pinto
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
- Interdisciplinar Department of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gennaro Cormio
- Interdisciplinar Department of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Istituto Tumori Bari Giovanni Paolo II IRCCS, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Ettore Cicinelli
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
- Interdisciplinar Department of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Vimercati
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
- Interdisciplinar Department of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Delayed Diagnosis of Colonic Adenocarcinoma in a 30-Year-Old Postpartum Woman Misdiagnosed with HELLP Syndrome. Case Rep Surg 2020; 2020:3085413. [PMID: 32908771 PMCID: PMC7474346 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3085413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is a rare diagnosis in 30-year-old women, which may be further complicated by their concurrent gravid status. Several physiological changes that occur during an intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) can mask symptoms of early colon cancer. Our patient was a 30-year-old, Gravida 2, Para 0 woman with an uncomplicated pregnancy until the 35th week of gestation when she developed preeclampsia and symptoms suggestive of early hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet (HELLP) syndrome. Following induction of labor and the subsequent, uncomplicated vaginal delivery, the patient developed symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and constipation with abdominal pain and bloating. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a large mass in the right colon along with the involvement of periaortic lymph nodes and the presence of liver metastases. Hepatic metastases were possibly responsible for the patient's elevated liver enzyme levels, which were initially considered to have been caused by HELLP syndrome because the patient also had preeclampsia. The rarity of colon cancer in young, pregnant patients with no family history, such as in this case, results in poor prognosis owing to nonspecific symptoms of the developing malignancy being attributed to pregnancy, which further delays diagnosis and subsequent therapy. Of 29 cases of colon cancer in pregnant patients recorded till date, this is the first report of a stage 4 adenocarcinoma of the colon with hepatic metastasis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and increased blood pressure with associated preeclampsia, which was diagnosed in the postpartum period. It may be important to consider broader differential diagnoses in expectant patients presenting with unusual and persistent symptoms.
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Balloni L, Pugliese P, Ferrari S, Danova M, Porta C. Colon Cancer in Pregnancy: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 86:95-7. [PMID: 10778777 DOI: 10.1177/030089160008600120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Most colon cancer cases occur in patients over 50 years of age, although about 3% of colorectal cancer patients are younger than 40. During pregnancy the incidence of this neoplasm is estimated to be 0.002%. To date only 32 cases of colonic cancer arising above the peritoneal reflection during pregnancy have been described in the literature. We report another such case, stressing the need for constant alertness on the part of physicians in the presence of abdominal pain and/or distension, a palpable abdominal mass, rectal bleeding and/or weight loss during pregnancy. In fact, the reportedly poorer prognosis of this cancer in pregnant patients is mainly due to the fact that the initial symptoms of the malignancy are usually attributed by the patient, but also by physicians, to normal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Balloni
- Istituto di Patologia Generale C. Golgi, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Italy
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Pellino G, Simillis C, Kontovounisios C, Baird DL, Nikolaou S, Warren O, Tekkis PP, Rasheed S. Colorectal cancer diagnosed during pregnancy: systematic review and treatment pathways. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 29:743-753. [PMID: 28252463 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the mode of presentation and incidence of colorectal cancer in pregnancy (CRC-p), assess the outcomes of the mother and foetus according to gestational age, treatment delivered and cancer features and location. A systematic review of the literature was carried out to identify studies reporting on CRC-p and pooled analysis of the reported data. Seventy-nine papers reporting on 119 patients with unequivocal CRC-p were included. The calculated pooled risk is 0.002% and age at diagnosis has decreased over time. The median age at diagnosis was 32 (range, 17-46) years. Twelve per cent, 41 and 47% of CRC-p were diagnosed during the first, second and third trimester. The CRC-p site was the colon in 53.4% of cases, the rectum in 44% and multiple sites in 2.6%. Bleeding occurred in 47% of patients, abdominal pain in 37.6%, constipation in 14.1%, obstruction in 9.4% and perforation in 2.4%. Out of 82 patients whose treatment was described, 9.8% received chemotherapy during pregnancy. None of their newborns developed permanent disability, one developed hypothyroidism and 72% of newborns were alive. Vaginal delivery was possible in 60% of cases. Anterior resection was performed in 30% of patients and abdominoperineal excision of the rectum in 14.9%. Five patients had either synchronous (60%) or metachronous liver resection (40%). The median survival in these patients was 42 (0-120) months. Fifty-five per cent of patients were alive at the last available follow-up. The median survival of the mother was 36 (0-360) months. Patients with rectal cancer had longer survival compared with patients with colon cancer (P=0.0072). CRC-p is rare, leading to symptoms being overlooked, and diagnosis made at advanced stages. Cases described in the literature include patients who had cancer before pregnancy or developed it after delivery. Survival has not increased over time and the management of these patients requires collaboration between specialties and active interaction with the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Pellino
- aDepartment of Colorectal Surgery, Royal Marsden Hospital bDepartment of Colorectal Surgery, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital cDepartment of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
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Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Resembling Severe Preeclampsia in Pregnancy. Case Rep Obstet Gynecol 2015; 2015:487824. [PMID: 26770850 PMCID: PMC4685096 DOI: 10.1155/2015/487824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Although colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in women, it is a rare malignancy in pregnancy. Symptoms of CRC such as fatigue, malaise, nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding, anemia, altered bowel habits, and abdominal mass are often considered typical symptoms of pregnancy. Many cases of CRC are diagnosed in advanced stages due to missed warning signs of CRC, which may be misinterpreted as normal symptoms related to pregnancy. This report reviews 2 cases of CRC diagnosed within a 4-month interval at our institution. Both cases were initially thought to be atypical presentations of preeclampsia. Prenatal history, hospital course, and postpartum course were reviewed for both patients. CRC is often diagnosed at advanced stages in pregnancy. Common physiological symptoms of pregnancy should be scrutinized carefully and worked up appropriately, especially if symptoms remain persistent or increase in intensity or severity.
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Randawa AJ, Oguntayo AO. Colorectal cancer in pregnancy: a rapid progressive disease. Libyan J Med 2010; 5:4632. [PMID: 28156302 PMCID: PMC3066757 DOI: 10.3402/ljm.v5i0.4632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
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Dahling MT, Xing G, Cress R, Danielsen B, Smith LH. Pregnancy-associated colon and rectal cancer: perinatal and cancer outcomes. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2009; 22:204-11. [DOI: 10.1080/14767050802559111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Olofinlade O, Adeonigbagbe O, Gualtieri N, Freiman H, Ogedegbe O, Robilotti J. Colorectal carcinoma in young females. South Med J 2004; 97:231-5. [PMID: 15043328 DOI: 10.1097/01.smj.0000072360.33202.f2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to study the clinicopathologic characteristics of colorectal cancer in young female patients. We also wanted to determine the association of colorectal cancer with anemia in these female patients and, finally, to determine the effect of gender on prognosis in young patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of all young patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 1982 and 1999 in two teaching hospitals in New York City. RESULTS A total of 3,546 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed. Sixty-one (1.63%) of these patients were young patients and 32 (0.85%) were female. Young refers to all patients in the study who were younger than 40 years of age. The clinical presentation and mean age at presentation were very similar in both male and female patients. At presentation, 87.5% of female patients had anemia compared with only 69% of male patients. Males had a statistically significant higher mean hemoglobin level compared with females (12.87 versus 10.29 g) at P = 0.0001. Seventy-nine percent of female patients compared with 86% of male patients presented with left-sided tumors. Fifty-five percent of males presented with late stage disease compared with 68% of females (P = 0.27). Female sex seemed to adversely affect the prognosis, although this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.08). Stage of disease was associated with worse prognosis and this was independent of sex. Age and hemoglobin were not independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION Colorectal cancer does occur in females of childbearing age who might have a tendency to present with late stage disease as evidence from this study. Young female patients with anemia should be questioned about gastrointestinal symptoms, and colorectal cancer should definitely be in the differential diagnoses. This might conceivably allow for earlier diagnosis and potential for cure in this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olusola Olofinlade
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
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Abstract
The medical community should become mobilized to diagnose colon cancer earlier in pregnancy to improve prognosis. The primary care physician or obstetrician should refer the pregnant patient with significant gastrointestinal complaints to the gastroenterologist for evaluation. Likewise, the gastroenterologist should be prepared to perform sigmoidoscopy, preferably without endoscopic medications, for significant lower gastrointestinal symptoms such as persistent rectal bleeding. Sigmoidoscopy is particularly sensitive in identifying colon cancer in pregnant patients because their cancers are usually distal and within reach of the sigmoidoscope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell S Cappell
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Woodhull Medical Center, 760 Broadway Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA
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Corrêa DS, Lopes A, Ferreira Fd FDO, Nakagawa WT, Rossi BM. Sigmoid cancer adherent to the uterus during pregnancy: case report. Colorectal Dis 2002; 4:216. [PMID: 12780621 DOI: 10.1046/j.1463-1318.2002.00296.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D. S Corrêa
- Pelvic Surgery Department, A.C. Camargo Cancer Hospital, Rua Prof Antonio Prudente 211, São Paulo, SP, 01509-900, Brazil.E-mail:
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Abstract
Colon cancer during pregnancy is uncommon but not rare, with an estimated incidence of several hundred cases per year in the United States. This type of cancer tends to have a poor prognosis that is attributable to delays in diagnosis and advanced disease at diagnosis. The diagnosis frequently is delayed because symptoms of colon cancer, such as rectal bleeding, nausea and vomiting, and constipation, often are attributed to normal pregnancy or minor complications of pregnancy. Pregnancy affects the diagnostic evaluation and therapy of colon cancer because of fetal risks of diagnostic tests and therapy. Appropriate medical evaluation of significant lower gastrointestinal complaints during pregnancy can lead to an earlier and improved diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Cappell
- Department of Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
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Abstract
In evaluating the pregnant patient with abdominal pain, the physician is presented with a wide range of diagnostic possibilities, including disorders that can occur in nonpregnant individuals and disorders that are unique to pregnancy. The development of modern laboratory testing methods and diagnostic imaging techniques has led to a decline in the morbidity and mortality from many of these disorders. With an understanding of the physiologic changes occurring during pregnancy, a careful history and physical examination, and judicious use of laboratory tests and imaging studies, the physician should be able to determine the cause of the patient's pain in the great majority of cases and, in the words of Babler, avoid "the mortality of delay."
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Mayer
- Division of Gastroenterology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
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Antonelli NM, Dotters DJ, Katz VL, Kuller JA. Cancer in pregnancy: a review of the literature. Part II. Obstet Gynecol Surv 1996; 51:135-42. [PMID: 8622837 DOI: 10.1097/00006254-199602000-00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- N M Antonelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, USA
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Antonelli NM, Dotters DJ, Katz VL, Kuller JA. Cancer in pregnancy: a review of the literature. Part I. Obstet Gynecol Surv 1996; 51:125-34. [PMID: 8622836 DOI: 10.1097/00006254-199602000-00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is an important cause of death in the United States in women of childbearing age. Approximately 1 per 1000 pregnant women will develop cancer. This review (Part II follows in this issue) examines the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of cancer during pregnancy; both in terms of the cancer's effect on the pregnancy, and the pregnancy's effect on the cancer. Some diagnostic modalities and some therapies are problematic to the fetus and placenta. However, in most cases and the pregnancy can be managed concurrently with a good outcome for the baby and without compromising the mother's prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Antonelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, USA
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