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An isolated vaginal metastasis from rectal cancer: a case report
- Source :
- Journal of Medical Case Reports, Vol 18, Iss 1, Pp 1-5 (2024)
- Publication Year :
- 2024
- Publisher :
- BMC, 2024.
-
Abstract
- Abstract Introduction Vaginal metastasis from colorectal cancer is a rare occurrence, typically associated with other metastatic lesions. Isolated metastasis is exceedingly uncommon, with only a few cases documented in the literature. Vaginal involvement in colorectal cancer primarily results from direct contiguous spread from the primary tumor. Case presentation We present the case of a 70-year-old African woman diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the middle rectum. She underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and subsequent anterior resection. After 2 months, an isolated metastasis of rectal cancer was identified in the lower third of the left vaginal wall, confirmed by biopsy. Colonoscopy ruled out colorectal recurrence. Thoraco-abdominal computed tomography scan showed no distant metastases. The patient underwent abdominoperineal resection, removing the lateral and posterior vaginal wall with free macroscopic margins and a definitive colostomy. The final histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the vagina, measuring 5 × 4.5 cm. The rectal wall was extrinsically invaded by the tumor down to the muscularis propria while respecting the rectal mucosa. Resection margins were negative. The patient was discharged 1 week postoperation with no complications. Adjuvant chemotherapy was indicated, and the patient is currently tolerating the treatment well. Conclusion Vaginal metastases from colorectal cancer are extremely rare. A vigilant gynecological examination is recommended during the follow-up of colorectal cancer patients. Diagnosis can be challenging, especially if the metastatic lesion is small and asymptomatic, even after standard radiological examination. Surgical resection followed by chemotherapy is a valid option for patients with early isolated metastases.
- Subjects :
- Vaginal cancer
Colorectal metastasis
Oligometastatic disease
Medicine
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 17521947
- Volume :
- 18
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- Journal of Medical Case Reports
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.7d87457aa5934a1faf9e8692d11e7a0f
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-024-04501-7