A case report: Rectal endometriosis mimicking rectal cancer. (2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Li-Juan; Wang, Yuan-He; Zhang, Jing-Dong
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery case reports. Volume 53(2018)
• Page Start: 137
• Page End: 139
• Publication Date: 2018
• Subjects: Case report -- Rectal endometriosis -- Rectal cancer -- Differential diagnosis; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2018.10.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-2612

Abstract

Highlights: Rectal endometriosis and rectal cancer share many common Imaging characteristics. Small specimen is sometimes insufficient to make a correct diagnosis. Doctors should always pay attention on differential diagnoses. Abstract: Introduction: Rectal endometriosis is rare in women and imaging characteristics are similar with that of rectal cancer, which is one of the most common malignancies. Presentation of case: A 36 years old woman with a suspicious diagnosis of cervical carcinoma in a tertiary hospital visited our hospital, complaining about vaginal bleeding after copulation for six months, accompanying with constipation and diameter-thinning stool. Vaginal and cervical biopsy only showed chronic inflammation. Colonoscopy found a mass at the rectum 4 cm from the anus, but the biopsy showed different diagnoses. Partial resection was eventually operated and the final diagnosis was confirmed as rectal endometriosis. Discussion: Rectal endometriosis is prone to be misdiagnosed as rectal cancer. Small specimen is sometimes insufficient to make a correct diagnosis. Extensive examination should be done to confirm the diagnosis and rash decision should never be encouraging. Conclusion: Rectal endometriosis should always be considered as one of the differential diagnoses in female who have a mass at the rectum. An adequate specimen should be obtained to confirm the histopathological diagnosis.