Mucinous Rectal Adenocarcinoma in a Background of Chronic Schistosomiasis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Ifeanyi Charles Umoke,Olabode Oluwole,Stephe E Garba,Nnenna Henrietta Umoke

doi:10.31579/2690-1897/006

Abstract

Reports have revealed the existence of colonic cancer with chronic bowel schistosomiasis. The specie most frequently involved is Schistosoma japonicum. Few cases have, however, shown Schistosoma mansoni as the involved specie. There seems to be an association between rectal cancer and Schistosoma mansoni infestation. Despite earlier studies that refuted any association between schistosomiasis and colonic cancer, more reports are lending credence to the claim that chronic colonic schistosomiasis, especially with S. Japonicum, may induce colonic cancer and the case with are reporting also point to the fact that S. Mansoni may also be implicated. We report a case of a 35-year-old man with a rectal cancer (pT3N0M0) associated with Schistosoma mansoni. He presented with intestinal obstruction and operation revealed a cirrhotic liver with hepatic schistosomiasis.

Highlights

Schistosomiasis is a common communicable infestation in the tropics and sub-tropics
While S. japonicum is endemic in South East Asia, S. haematobium and mansoni are prevalent in Africa and Middle East with S. mansoni endemic in South America [1]
It could be said that the relationship between urinary schistosomiasis and bladder cancer is well established, the same cannot be said of schistosomiasis and colonic cancer [5]

Summary

Introduction

Schistosomiasis is a common communicable infestation in the tropics and sub-tropics. Human schistosomiasis is caused by three major species: schistosoma haematobium, schistosoma japonicum and schistosoma mansoni. Schistosoma haematobium causes bladder cancer but the association between schistosomiasis and large bowel cancer has been inconclusive with low status [2]. We present the case of a 35-year-old male patient who lived in Suleja, North Central Nigeria (an area with Schistosoma endemicity). He presented with recurrent abdominal pain of four months duration and abdominal distension with passage of ribbon-like stools of two months duration. He was commenced on oral feeding consisting of high calorie, high protein diet on the 5th post-operative day He developed ascites on the 7th post-operative day which progressed to anasarca with respiratory distress on the 10th post-operative day.

Discussion

Findings

Conclusion

International Agency for Research on Cancer