Colorectal carcinoma in pregnancy
J. C. Nesbitt, K. J. Moise and J. L. Sawyers
Colorectal carcinoma in pregnancy is rare. The symptoms frequently are
masked by the symptoms associated with normal pregnancy, resulting in
delayed diagnosis. Based on our experience with five patients and review of
the literature, we developed a management regimen that takes an aggressive
approach to tumor excision, yet maintains the pregnancy and fertility if
possible. The prognosis is poor for most patients because the stage of the
tumor is usually advanced at the time of diagnosis. The key to improved
survival, as with all cancers, is early diagnosis and treatment.
