Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Rectum as a Cause of Acute Obstructive Abdomen. Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Rectal neuroendocrine carcinoma, though rare, is experiencing an increase in its incidence, representing approximately 1% of all colorectal cancers. A growth in its incidence has been observed in recent decades, albeit with varying figures geographically. Research studies such as those by Dasari et al. (2017) and Scherübl et al. (2014) have indicated a significant rise in the incidence of these tumors, especially in the United States and Europe. Although it can manifest in different age groups, it is more common in middle-aged or older adults, without a clear gender predilection. Symptoms may include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue, varying according to the degree of tumor differentiation and the presence of metastasis. We present the case of a 65-year-old woman who presented with obstructive symptoms and was subsequently found to have neuroendocrine tumor post-surgery.