A Case of Leiomyosarcoma of the Cecum

Abstract

F. M., a male bookkeeper, aged nineteen, was admitted March 24, 1931. His family history was negative for cancer. At the age of six years he had had scarlet fever and bilateral mastoiditis. The present illness had begun one month previously with severe cramp-like abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which were relieved to some extent by a laxative. During the previous twelve days he had had many such attacks. They were not relieved by calomel, although its administration had resulted in bowel movements. The pain was localized in the left side of the abdomen. There had been no loss of weight. Physical examination revealed a palpable tumor in the left lumbar region, the size and shape of a kidney, slightly tender, and freely movable. There were a moderate leukocytosis and a low septic temperature. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a tumor at the ileo-cecal junction, about 6 cm. in diameter and almost blocking the lumen of the bowel. There was intussusception of the distal portion of the ileum, the cecum, and the ascending colon into the transverse colon. The cecum was resected, and the ascending colon and ileum anastomosed end-to-side. There were no postoperative complications.