Colon adenocarcinoma in a patient with ulcerative colitis

Case contributed by Mohammad Taghi Niknejad
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Known case of ulcerative colitis with recent rectal bleeding.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Male

Asymmetrical increased wall thickness with an exophytic solid mass is noted in the sigmoid colon, accompanied by surrounding fat standing and several regional lymphadenopathies with SAD less than 10mm. There is no sign of local invasion into adjacent structures.

In addition, mild circumferential increased wall thickness and loss of haustration are seen in the distal transverse and descending colon as well as rectosigmoid suggesting background inflammatory bowel disease.

The gallbladder is not seen at the anatomical location due to prior resection.

A few tiny stones are seen in the urinary bladder.

The prostate gland is markedly enlarged.

Case Discussion

The risk of developing colorectal cancer is increased two- to three-fold in patients with ulcerative colitis because of chronic inflammation. In addition, age at diagnosis, colonic strictures, postinflammatory polyps, severity of inflammation, and dysplasia are also risk factors for colorectal cancer in these patients.

Colorectal cancers in patients with ulcerative colitis have a poor prognosis and a higher proportion of mucinous and signet ring cell carcinoma.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.