A Case of Poorly Differentiated Adenocarcinoma of the Colon with Remarkable Extramural Progression

Tetsuo Ishikawa, Ryoutarou Nakashima, Osamu Takahashi and Toshimitsu Matsusaka

Department of Surgery, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital

The clinicopathological features of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the colon bode a poorer prognosis than well or moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. We report a 50-year old man with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the transverse colon and marked extramural invasion to the gastric wall, with massive bleeding and with huge abscess formation. At first, left hemicolectomy and total gastrectomy combined with pancreatosplenectomy was done for the tumor resection and another operation was needed due to the cancer reccurence. Contrary to our supposition, the clinical course of this case was satisfactory after 2 extensive surgical interventions. The important implication here is that although poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the colon has serious malignant potential, aggressive surgical treatment should be undertaken in cases without peritoneal dissemination.

Key words
poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, colon cancer

Reprint requests
Tetsuo Ishikawa Department of Surgery, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital
1 Bunkyou town, Matsuyama city, 790-8524 JAPAN

Accepted
March 27, 2002

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