Adenocarcinoma Arising within a Colonic Diverticulum in a Patient with Recurrent Diverticulitis
2008

Adenocarcinoma in a Colonic Diverticulum

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): A. van Beurden, C.I.M. Baeten, C.P.E. Lange, H. Doornewaard, L.N.L. Tseng

Primary Institution: Groene Hart Ziekenhuis, Gouda, The Netherlands

Hypothesis

Can adenocarcinoma develop within a colonic diverticulum in patients with recurrent diverticulitis?

Conclusion

Adenocarcinoma can arise within a diverticulum, which may be missed during diagnosis of diverticulitis.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient had a history of recurrent diverticulitis since 1993.
  • Histopathological examination revealed a submucosal adenocarcinoma within the diverticulum.
  • Four out of twelve dissected lymph nodes showed tumor metastases.

Takeaway

Sometimes, cancer can hide in a part of the intestine that is swollen and inflamed, making it hard to find.

Methodology

The case involved a 54-year-old man with recurrent diverticulitis who underwent a sigmoid resection, and the resected specimen was examined histopathologically.

Limitations

Only one case is reported, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

One 54-year-old male patient with a history of recurrent diverticulitis.

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