118 A Case Report on Mucinous Adenocarcinoma Colon in a 14-Year-Old

Abstract

Abstract Pediatric colorectal cancers are rare tumours that carry poor prognosis but none the less the incidence of these tumours is on the rise. Here we present a case of a 14-year-old boy who complained of vague abdominal pain, altered bowel habits and unintentional weight loss for 1 month. On examination a fixed hard mass was palpable on the left side of abdomen and had elevated CEA levels. Open biopsy and immunochemistry confirmed the tumour to be adenocarcinoma of colorectal origin. Patient and guardians denied surgery initially and one month later presented with obstructive symptoms for which left hemicolectomy was done and on histopathological examination mucinous adenocarcinoma stage- T3d N1 M0 was confirmed, the patient was later referred for chemotherapy. The patient showed transient improvement but succumbed to the disease 10 months after the diagnosis. This case highlights the importance of early detection of colorectal malignancy in children by raising awareness of its occurrence and by considering malignancy as a part of the differential diagnosis in pediatric cases with vague GI complaints. Currently colorectal carcinomas in children are being managed in line with the adults due to lack of sufficient evidence and data despite its aggressive nature in the younger age group.