Change In Bowel Habit Research Articles

Fructose malabsorption in ChREBP-deficient mice disrupts the small intestine immune microenvironment and leads to diarrhea-dominant bowel habit changes.

The mechanism by which incompletely absorbed fructose causes gastrointestinal symptoms is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the immunological mechanisms of bowel habit changes associated with fructose malabsorption by examining Chrebp-knockout mice exhibiting defective fructose absorption. Mice were fed a high-fructose diet (HFrD), and stool parameters were monitored. The gene expression in the small intestine was analyzed by RNA sequencing. Intestinal immune responses were assessed. The microbiota composition was determined by 16S rRNA profiling. Antibiotics were used to assess the relevance of microbes for HFrD-induced bowel habit changes. Chrebp-knockout (KO) mice fed HFrD showed diarrhea. Small-intestine samples from HFrD-fed Chrebp-KO mice revealed differentially expressed genes involved in the immune pathways, including IgA production. The number of IgA-producing cells in the small intestine decreased in HFrD-fed Chrebp-KO mice. These mice showed signs of increased intestinal permeability. Chrebp-KO mice fed a control diet showed intestinal bacterial imbalance, which the HFrD exaggerated. Bacterial reduction improved diarrhea-associated stool parameters and restored the decreased IgA synthesis induced in HFrD-fed Chrebp-KO mice. The collective data indicate that gut microbiome imbalance and disrupting homeostatic intestinal immune responses account for the development of gastrointestinal symptoms induced by fructose malabsorption.

Case report: diagnostic approach to malignancy ascites patient who misdiagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis

Introduction: Ascites is an accumulation of free fluid with an abnormal amount in the peritoneal cavity. The causes of ascites are hepatic cirrhosis, malignant ascites, and mixed ascites, which can be caused by tuberculosis infection. Malignant ascites is a pathological condition caused by primary abdominal and extra-abdominal malignancies. This study aims to report malignant ascites that was misdiagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis. Case Presentation: Forty-one years old man came with an enlarged stomach, pain in the abdomen, fever, and decreased appetite accompanied by >20 kg weight loss with a change in bowel habits in the last 3 months. At first, the patient was diagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis and took a tuberculosis drug regimen for almost 2 months. However, the patient did not feel any improvement in the symptoms he was experiencing. The patient then went to Soetomo General Hospital and underwent several examinations. In colonoscopy examination, we found a mass in the transverse colon that almost covered the lumen with hard consistency and was not easy to bleed. Pushing outside the recto-sigmoid lumen causes narrowing of the lumen, and from CT scan showed a solid mass in the pelvic cavity; visible lesions penetrate the serosa to form a picture of "fat stranding," attached to the rectum posteriorly and bluntly to the anterior; multiple nodules in the left mesentery with peritumoral lymphadenopathy can be a feature of malignant soft tissue mass. Ascites accompanied by multiple nodular peritoneal thickening and thickening of the omentum that forms an omental cake can represent peritoneal carcinomatosis. The results of the open biopsy obtained histopathological results in the adverse colon suggesting adenocarcinoma, signet ring cell carcinoma. All the examination results led to the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Conclusion: A 41 years old man, who was misdiagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis and had been taking the drug for tuberculosis for 2 months, has no improvement in his symptoms. Then he went to Soetomo General Hospital and underwent several examinations, which led to the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. This instance demonstrates that some doctors still struggle to diagnose colorectal cancer, even if patient outcomes improve with earlier treatment.

Evaluation of Clinical Assessment in Predicting Complicated Acute Diverticulitis.

Background Acute diverticulitis is a common surgical condition and one of the leadinggastrointestinal conditions that require hospital admission. The presence of complications increasesthe hospital stay and risk of requiring surgical intervention. This study aimed to investigate the clinical features that can be identified during clinical assessment and evaluate their predictive value and sensitivity in differentiating between complicated and uncomplicated diverticulitis. Methodology This retrospective case-control study was performed on patients with acute diverticulitis at Lyell McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia. Data were collected for patients presenting from January 2015 to December 2017. Patients with acute diverticulitis confirmed by computed tomography (CT) were included in the study. Multiple clinical assessment aspects were reported and compared between complicated diverticulitis and uncomplicated diverticulitis groups. Results Data from a total of 116 cases were collected, 10 of which were excluded due to lack of CT diagnosis. Forty-four cases had complicated diverticulitis (case group), and 62 cases had uncomplicated diverticulitis (control group). Twenty-three cases (52.2%) had the first episode of diverticulitis in the complicated group compared to 24 cases (38.7%) in the uncomplicated group, with an odds ratio of 1.73 (0.79-3.789). Eight cases (18.2%) had previously complicated diverticulitis in the complicated group compared to 11 cases (17.7%) in the uncomplicated group, with an odds ratio of 1.03 (0.37-2.82). Six cases (13.6%) had a fever (T > 38) in the complicated group compared to two cases (3.2%) in the uncomplicated group, with an odds ratio of 4.74 (0.9-24.7), a sensitivity of only 13.64%, and a specificity of 96.77%. Twelve cases (27.3%) had tachycardia, two cases (4.5%) had hypotension, and five cases (11.4%) had peritonism in the complicated group compared to two cases (3.2%), one case (1.6%), and one case (1.6%) in the uncomplicated group, with odds ratios of 11.25 (2.37-53.4), 2.9 (0.255-33), and 7.82 (0.88-69.5), respectively; sensitivity was 27.27%, 4.55%, and 11.36% for tachycardia, hypotension, and peritonism, whereas specificity was 96.77%, 98.39%, and 98.39%, respectively. Conclusions The study found no significant correlation between having complicated diverticulitis and previous episodes of complicated diverticulitis, immunosuppression, pain severity, or change in bowel habits. Perrectal bleeding was found to reduce the risk of having complicated diverticulitis. Our results did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between the first episode of diverticulitis and having complicated diverticulitis. Physical signs, when abnormal, are highly specific in predicting complicated diverticulitis. Tachycardia was found to have the highest positive predictive value and odds ratio compared to the other observed physical signs.

Screening or symptoms? Colorectal cancer diagnosis in Uruguay.

71 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major health burden worldwide. Screening is employed due to its proven efficacy in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. In Uruguay, there is a longstanding National CRC screening program using fecal occult blood test (FOBT) as the preferred method. It is to be expected that patients with screen-detected CRC have better prognosis than those with symptoms due to earlier diagnosis and other favorable tumor/host characteristics. Beyond the well described earlier stage at diagnosis, other aspects have not been widely studied and data is sparse. An increasing proportion of CRC patients are diagnosed by screening rather than symptoms. Aim: We sought to establish and evaluate the correlation between clinicopathological features and TNM stage at diagnosis and diagnostic modality. Methods: A retrospective review of all newly diagnosed CRC patients from January 2008 to December 2021 was conducted by the authors. A total of 934 patients aged 50-80 years at diagnosis were included. Clinical, histological, diagnostic and treatment data was collected and findings were stratified and correlated according to screening detection vs symptomatic patients. Results: On one hand, 15% of patients had a positive FOBT leading up to their diagnosis. FOBT detected tumors presented a less advanced locoregional T-N staging (p = 0.001). Tumors were preferentially located in the proximal colon (33.1 vs 19.9%); p<0.001. Stage I CRC was more frequently detected in subjects with positive FOBT (14.2%) than in individuals with symptoms (5.9%); p = 0.002. Conversely, detection rates for stage IV CRC were 17.7% and 26.7% respectively; p = 0.002. A higher percentage of stage III screened patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy when compared to their symptomatic counterparts (97.7 vs. 85.0 %, p = 0.016). On the other hand, 793 patients (85 %) were diagnosed after onset of signs or symptoms. There was a preponderance of advanced-stage disease (stages III–IV 36-27% respectively). The most common symptoms reported were change in bowel habits (52%), abdominal pain (47 %) and bleeding (45%). The most common overall sign was anemia. One hundred eighty-two patients (22.5%) required an emergency surgery mainly for obstructive colon cancer. Conclusions: Despite equal access to colorectal cancer screening, in Uruguay diagnosis after development of symptomatic cancer remains more common. FOBT detected cancers presented less advanced clinicopathological characteristics and differing management that potentially could be driving a more favorable outcome. Mode of detection is therefore an important indicator that should be taken into account when defining risk assessment in treatment decisions. These findings also support the need for continued improvement and recruitment of patients into screening programs. It must be the focus for future initiatives.

Malignant Melanoma of the Anorectal Region: A Case Study and Review of the Contemporary Treatment Options

Aims: Anorectal melanoma, an uncommon malignancy of mucosal origin accounts for 0.05 per cent of all colorectal malignancies and 1 per cent of tumours of the anal canal. The typical clinical presentation includes local pain, palpable mass, bleeding, change in bowel habits, and weight loss. The symptoms are somewhat nondescript and unremarkable and can be easily confused with other conditions native to the region. Hence, a careful and timely assessment is imperative in treating this condition.
 Presentation of Case: A case involving a 54-year-old male who presented with a 3-month history of rectal bleeding and pain. Further assessment revealed a malignant melanoma of the anal canal. After undergoing laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection, the patient was on 6 cycles of dacarbazine. He was subsequently found to have liver metastasis. He subsequently started oral Temozolomide for 2 cycles. He has been on close follow-up for the last 6 months and the disease has not progressed since.
 Discussion: The course of evaluation in suspected cases of anorectal melanoma is a rectal examination, biopsy and histopathologic examination. Immunohistochemistry aids in the confirmation of the diagnosis. Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection demonstrates good response rates. Adjuvant chemotherapy in anorectal melanoma can be given in patients following surgical resection of the primary anorectal tumour and with a high risk of recurrence. Targeted therapies like c-kit inhibitors, BRAF inhibitors, anti- CTLA-4 antibodies and anti-PD-1 antibodies can also be used.
 Conclusion: Melanomas of the anorectal region present a diagnostic dilemma and carry poor prognoses. Despite an aggressive management approach, the disease maintains an average five-year survival rate of 20%.

Diagnosis and Progression of Rectal Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma in a 15 Year Old Lebanese Boy: A Case Report

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a rare entity in children and adolescents compared to adults. In the young, it is mostly detected in the right and transverse parts of the colon. Among the variants of CRC are the uncommon Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma (SRCC) which has a late presentation and pessimistic prognosis. Patients are asymptomatic for a long time and suddenly develop changes in bowel habits or obstruction. Case Report: A 15-year-old boy with no known health issues presented with recent rectorrhagia and weight loss. He was stable but pale with abdominal tenderness and no rectal mass on digital rectal examination (DRE). Colonoscopy unveiled a 13 centimeters segment of circumferential ulcerated blackish mucosa extending from the upper rectum to the rectosigmoid junction. Pathology studies revealed SRCC of the rectum and sigmoid. Metastatic workup showed rectosigmoid wall thickening and denoted the tumor a stage IV with ascites and intraperitoneal implants. Palliative treatment with chemotherapy was initiated, and a follow-up CT was done later to assess disease progression and response to treatment. The disease had worsened and the patient deteriorated. Conclusion: In children, colorectal SRCC is scarce and usually presents at a late stage due to the lack of characteristic symptoms and findings. It is then usually missed by physicians and not considered in the differential thus delaying the diagnosis and rendering the prognosis poorer. To improve the outcome, pediatricians ought to keep CRC in mind when facing obstructive symptoms or refractory abdominal pain.

A machine learning tool for identifying non-metastatic colorectal cancer in primary care

BackgroundPrimary health care (PHC) is often the first point of contact when diagnosing colorectal cancer (CRC). Human limitations in processing large amounts of information warrant the use of machine learning as a diagnostic prediction tool for CRC. AimTo develop a predictive model for identifying non-metastatic CRC (NMCRC) among PHC patients using diagnostic data analysed with machine learning. Design and settingA case–control study containing data on PHC visits for 542 patients >18 years old diagnosed with NMCRC in the Västra Götaland Region, Sweden, during 2011, and 2,139 matched controls. MethodStochastic gradient boosting (SGB) was used to construct a model for predicting the presence of NMCRC based on diagnostic codes from PHC consultations during the year before the date of cancer diagnosis and the total number of consultations. Variables with a normalised relative influence (NRI) >1% were considered having an important contribution to the model. Risks of having NMCRC were calculated using odds ratios of marginal effects. ResultsOf the 361 variables used as predictors in the stochastic gradient boosting model, 184 had non-zero influence, with 16 variables having NRI >1% and a combined NRI of 63.3%. Variables representing anaemia and bleeding had a combined NRI of 27.6%. The model had a sensitivity of 73.3% and a specificity of 83.5%. Change in bowel habit had the highest odds ratios of marginal effects at 28.8. ConclusionMachine learning is useful for identifying variables of importance for predicting NMCRC in PHC. Malignant diagnoses may be hidden behind benign symptoms such as haemorrhoids.

Colonoscopic findings in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Colonoscopy is often performed in the initial workup of pelvic floor dysfunction, even in the absence of red flag symptoms. Current guidelines suggest colonoscopy is only required in the presence of rectal bleeding, diarrhoea or change in bowel habit. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of significant pathology found at colonoscopy in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. Retrospective chart review was performed on all patients presenting to a functional colorectal outpatient clinic between May 2018 and August 2019. Information was collected on presenting symptoms, whether colonoscopy had been performed within 5 years, quality of bowel preparation, withdrawal time, number of polyps detected, histology, presence of diverticular disease, colorectal malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease, solitary rectal ulcer or rectal prolapse. There were 260 patients seen within the study period, of which 67% had undergone recent colonoscopy within the last 5 years. The mean age was 53 and 219 (84%) patients were female. Average withdrawal time was 13 min. Polyps were found in 48.7% and adenomas in 32.4% of all colonoscopies. The adenoma detection rate was 32.7%. None of the colonoscopies found evidence of malignancy. A new diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease was discovered in two patients. There was low rates of serious pathology such as malignancy or inflammatory bowel disease in patients referred to a functional clinic. However, colonoscopy is still useful in workup of pelvic floor dysfunction, as many patients have erratic bowel habits or vague symptoms, and will have adenomas found.

Clinical value of alarm features for colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common neoplasm in Western countries. Prioritizing access to colonoscopy appears of critical relevance. Alarm features are considered to increase the likelihood of CRC. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic performance of alarm features for CRC diagnosis. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of alarm features (rectal bleeding, anemia, change in bowel habit, and weight loss) for CRC, published up to September 2021. Colonoscopy was required as the reference diagnostic test. Diagnostic accuracy measures were pooled by a bivariate mixed-effects regression model. The number needed to scope (NNS; i. e. the number of patients who need to undergo colonoscopy to diagnose one CRC) according to each alarm feature was calculated. 31 studies with 45 100 patients (mean age 31-88 years; men 36 %-63 %) were included. The prevalence of CRC ranged from 0.2 % to 22 %. Sensitivity was suboptimal, ranging from 12.4 % for weight loss to 49 % for rectal bleeding, whereas specificity ranged from 69.8 % for rectal bleeding to 91.9 % for weight loss. Taken individually, rectal bleeding and anemia would be the only practical alarm features mandating colonoscopy (NNS 5.3 and 6.7, respectively). When considered independently, alarm features have variable accuracy for CRC, given the high heterogeneity of study populations reflected by wide variability in CRC prevalence. Rectal bleeding and anemia are the most practical to select patients for colonoscopy. Integration of alarm features in a comprehensive evaluation of patients should be considered.

Awareness of the Adult Population Toward Colorectal Cancer in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Colon and rectal cancer are usually grouped together as they share similar features. They are the third most common cancer in the world and the second most common cancer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Awareness and preventive screening programs play a vital role in early diagnosis and improving the survival rate of such patients.This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of colorectal cancer(CRC) among the adult population in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the adult population living in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was disseminated among the adult population using WhatsApp and Twitter. The questionnaire contained demographic data and questions to assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitude regarding CRC risk factors and complications and the importance of screening. Results A total of 431 respondents were involved. The most common symptoms of colon cancer were abdominal painand change in bowel habits. Risk factors associated with colon cancer were inflammatory bowel diseaseand fatty food. Colonoscopy was the most dominant choice for the detection of colon cancer. Conclusion The awareness of the adult population toward CRCwas deficient. Better awareness can be predicted among individuals with better education. Addressing the gaps in awareness is vital to alleviate fears and misconceptions surrounding this disease.

Validation of a diagnostic prediction tool for colorectal cancer: a case-control replication study.

Early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is crucial for survival. Primary care, the first point of contact in most cases, needs supportive risk assessment tools. We aimed to replicate the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (SCCRAT) for non-metastatic CRC in primary care and examine if risk factor patterns depend on sex and age. 2,920 adults diagnosed with non-metastatic CRC during the years 2015-2019 after having visited a general practitioner the year before the diagnosis were selected from the Swedish Cancer Register and matched with 11,628 controls, using the same inclusion criteria except for the CRC diagnosis. Diagnostic codes from primary care consultations were collected from a regional health care database. Positive predictive values (PPVs) were estimated for the same 5 symptoms and combinations thereof as in the baseline study. The results for patients aged ≥50 years old in the present study were consistent with the results of the SCCRAT study. All symptoms and combinations thereof with a PPV >5% in the present study had a PPV >5% in the baseline study. The combination of bleeding with abdominal pain (PPV 9.9%) and bleeding with change in bowel habit (PPV 7.8%) were the highest observed PPVs in both studies. Similar risk patterns were seen for all ages and when men and women were studied separately. This external validation of the SCCRAT for non-metastatic CRC in primary care replicated the baseline study successfully and identified patients at high risk for CRC.

High Magnitude Advanced Colorectal Cancer at Diagnosis in Ethiopian Patients: Imaging Pattern and Associated Factors.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent and incident cancers worldwide with an Increasing prevalence in a younger age in developing countries. The aim of the study was to determine the staging and imaging pattern of CRC at diagnosis. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study including all consecutive cases of CRC found in the departments of radiology and oncology during the study period from March 2016 - February 2017. A total of 132 CRC cases were studied with M: F = 2.4:1, mean age of 46yrs and 67.4% </= 50yrs. Left-sided tumors were associated with rectal bleeding (p = 0.001) and bowel habit change (p =0.045) whereas right-side tumors were associated with weight loss (p = 0.02) and abdominal pain (p = 0.004). 84.5% of CRC presented at an advanced stage, and 32% had distant metastasis. Young age was associated with the advanced stage (P=0.006) whereas family history was associated with the lower stage (P=0.008). Distance metastasis was associated with Colonic lesions (P=0.003) and emergent presentation (P=0.008). Asymmetric wall thickening with luminal narrowing was significantly associated with left side tumor (95% vs 21.4%) whereas large mass with necrosis was significantly associated with right side tumor (50% vs 5%) (P= 0.004). CRC is presented at a younger age and at an advanced stage. The majority of CRCs were left-sided and rectal. Increasing the index of suspicion for CRC in patients with rectal bleeding and, bowel habit change is recommended.

InVitro Efficacy of Targeted Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols Enzymatic Digestion in a High-Fidelity Simulated Gastrointestinal Environment.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) are poorly absorbed short-chain carbohydrates that may drive commensal microbial gas production, promoting abdominal pain in IBS. Low-FODMAP diet can result in symptomatic improvement in 50%-80% of IBS patients. However, this diet is not meant to be sustained long term, with concern for downstream nutrition and microbial issues. In this study, we evaluate the function of a targeted FODMAP enzymatic digestion food supplement FODMAP enzymatic digestion (FODZYME) containing a fructan-hydrolase enzyme (with significant inulinase activity) in a simulated gastrointestinal environment. Using SHIME (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem), a multi-compartment simulator of the human gut, FODZYME dose finding assay in modeled gastrointestinal conditions assessed enzymatic ability to hydrolyze 3 g of inulin. Full intestinal modeling assessing digestion of inulin, absorption of fructose, gas production, and other measures of commensal microbial behavior was completed using 1.125 g of FODZYME. After 30 minutes, 90% of the inulin was converted to fructose by 1.125 g of FODZYME. Doubling dosage showed no significant improvement in conversion, whereas a half dose decreased performance to 77.2%. Seventy percent of released fructose was absorbed during simulated small intestinal transit, with a corresponding decrease in microbial gas production, and a small decrease in butyrate and short-chain fatty acid production. FODZYME specifically breaks down inulin in representative gastrointestinal conditions, resulting in decreased gas production while substantially preserving short-chain fatty acid and butyrate production in the model colon. Our results suggest dietary supplementation with FODZYME would decrease intestinal FODMAP burden and gas production.

CLINICAL AND LABORATORY EVALUATION OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS IN ELDERLY- A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Introduction- Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are common problems medical practitioners encounter in the emergency department and in the primary care setting.Understanding the characteristics of GI symptoms in older adults and their underlying pathophysiology is important in order to facilitate diagnosis and treatment. Aims And Objectives1) To study the occurrence of Gastrointestinal (GIT) diseases in elderly patients. 2) To study the clinical presentation of GIT diseases in elderly patients. 3) To evaluate the GIT disorders in elderly patients by using laboratory investigations like blood counts, blood sugar, endoscopy, barium studies, CT abdomen and other investigations as needed. Material And Methods- Prospective observational study was conducted on 100 patients. After taking informed consent, patients who presented with various symptoms like anorexia, nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, malena, hematochezia, recent change in bowel habits, recent loss of weight, anal problems were thoroughly evaluated clinically and with other investigations like endoscopy, barium studies and CT abdomen. In Resultspresent study, males in age group of 37.33% were most commonly affected and females in 60-64 years age group were most commonly affected. 75% males were affected and 25% females. Hypertension was most common co-morbid condition(24%). Pain in abdomen followed by anorexia were most common symptoms. On endoscopic nding, gastritis and growth in stomach was seen in 20 patients each. These endoscopic ndings correlated with our nal results. Gastrointestinal disorders are most common cause of mortali Conclusion- ty and morbidity in elderly patients. Endoscopic ndings and histopathological ndings are cornerstone for diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment will denitely help in reducing mortality and morbidit

Human papilloma virus associated primary vaginal adenocarcinoma

Primary vaginal adenocarcinoma associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is extremely rare. We report a case of primary adenocarcinoma of the vagina associated with human papilloma virus successfully treated with anterior pelvic exenteration and adjuvant concurrent chemoradiation therapy. A 51-year-old postmenopausal woman (gravida 1, para 1) presented with intermittent vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. She was found to have a 5 × 5 cm necrotic tumor took up the vaginal. She had no previous history of antenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES). Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a 4.8 × 6.0 cm mass in the vaginal canal, an 1.1 × 2.6 cm mass at the urinary bladder dome and a 1.1 cm irregular lymph node at the right external iliac chain with increased fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake from Fused whole-body positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). Based on clinical investigations, the patient was diagnosed with a primary adenocarcinoma of vagina, staged International Fedestration of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) IVa. Anterior pelvic exenteration, simple vulvectomy, total vaginectomy, both pelvic lymph node dissection, and para-aortic lymph node dissection with ileal conduit urinary diversion (Bricker’s operation) was done. Histologically primary vaginal HPV type 16-associated adenocarcinoma was confirmed. Both obturator lymph node was positive for metastasis. Postoperatively, the patient received weekly cisplatin regimen administered with a dose of 40 mg/m2 on day 1 of external radiation therapy (RT), 1 to 4 hours before RT initiation. External beam pelvic RT dose prescription to the whole pelvis was 59.4 Gy in 33 fractions at the isocenter. But, after total dose of 43.2 Gy, patient complained severe bowel habit change and discontinued further treatment. The patient remains free from recurrence 8 months after initial surgery. In the lack of information and comparative analysis of management options for the more unusual and rare varieties of primary vaginal neoplasms in the literature, this suggests the possibility that surgical treatment may be preferentially selected on a case-by-case basis.

Faecal immunochemical testing reduces demand and improves yield of Leicester's 2-week pathway for change in bowel habit.

We look at the effect of introducing the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) in the straight-to-test 2-week pathway for change in bowel habit (CIBH). The FIT in primary care triages 2-week wait (2WW) colorectal referrals for patients aged 60 years and above for straight-to-test CT colonography (CTC). We compare the impact of the FIT on numbers of 2WW CTCs, in the year before and after FIT, in both colorectal cancer (CRC) detection and cost-effectiveness at both 4 μg Hb/g faeces and 10 μg Hb/g faeces. At a threshold of 4μg Hb/g faeces, the positive predictive value of the FIT for diagnosis of CRC is 5.0% with a negative predictive value of 99.8% and a polyp detection rate of 25.5%. The introduction of the FIT resulted in a reduction in the number of CTCs performed through the CIBH pathway from a mean of 143.9 per month prior to the FIT to 66.8 CTCs per month once the FIT was well established. Given a FIT threshold of 10μg Hb/g the number of CTCs would be predicted to fall by 70.4% to 42.6 CTCs per month resulting in higher CRC and polyp detection rate, and an estimated annual cost saving of £238 258 in our institution. The FIT use in primary care improves the yield of 2WW referrals for CIBH alone and reduces the burden and cost of investigations to exclude CRC. Improvements may be possible by increasing the cut-off employed, without adversely affecting the risk of missing a cancer.

Actinomycosis Simulating Malignancy on CT: A Case of A Long-Forgotten IUD

Actinomyces Israelii is known to be commensal, particularly in the gums and tonsils, sometimes in the vagina. The diagnosis of actinomycosis is challenging owing to nonspecific clinical findings. First instance imaging often resembles inflammatory and infective pathologies like Crohn’s or intestinal tuberculosis, and in this case, abdominal malignancies [1]. Actinomycosis infectionsare complicated by their tendency to extend into surrounding structures and develop fistulae [2]. Our case report specifically looks at a fit-and-well female patient who had been referred under a suspected gastrointestinal cancer pathway after a recent change in bowel habit for CT imaging which was subsequently thought to be disseminative malignant growths. Our 56-year-old lady had an indurating mass in her abdomen draining pus which prompted her GP to discuss this case with the surgeons. On further MRI imaging and lab cultures, it was revealed that the sinister mass is found to be an Actinomyces Israelii colonised long-forgotten IUD placed 12 years ago. The unfortunate patient suffered widespread abdominal involvement which required extensive surgery involving major bowel resection, salpingo-oopherectomy, bilateral ureteric stents for hydronephrosis and a partial cystectomy.

Liver Mass: Island-Like Sign

Question: A 53-year-old woman was admitted to our hepatology unit complaining of fever, chills, and right upper abdominal pain for 10 days. There was no jaundice, tea-colored urine, hematochezia, or change in bowel habits. She denied having any vices (smoking, alcohol, or illicit drug use) or any family history of hepatobiliary disease or cancer. Laboratory examination showed that white blood cell count was 14.71 × 109/L (reference range 3.69–9.16 × 109/L) with an elevated neutrophil percentage of 77.4%, γ-glutamyl transferase was 165 U/L (reference range 0–40 U/L), and CA-125 was 38 U/mL (reference range 0–35 U/mL).

Body Image Issues in Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A Scoping Review.

Stomas in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors lead to body image problems. Advances in treatment help reduce the rate of stoma formation, but body image distress is still frequently experienced in CRC survivors. This review is aimed toward mapping and describing the state of knowledge regarding body image in patients with CRC. A systematic literature search complying with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines was conducted. Screening and data extraction were performed by 2 reviewers independently for all potentially eligible studies. A total of 56 eligible articles were selected. The majority of these studies were quantitative studies (85%). The eligible studies were classified into 4 broad categories: instruments used to assess body image, prevalence of body image distress, factors related to body image, and impact of body image distress. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-CR38) colorectal questionnaire was the most common measurement tool found among the reviewed studies (70%), and body image distress was reported by 25.5% to 86% of participants. Excluding gender, age, type of surgery, adjuvant therapy, time from diagnosis, social support, and stoma status, changes in bowel habits was identified as affecting the body image of patients with CRC. Changing bowel habits emerged as a significant factor causing body image distress for CRC survivors. Clinicians should raise awareness about body image distress in patients with CRC, focus on finding effective measures and interventions intended to help alleviate symptoms of bowel dysfunction, and prepare patients to adapt to altered bowel functions.

Clinical features of young onset colorectal cancer patients from a large cohort at a single cancer center.

The aim of this study is to describe the demographics and clinical features of patients with young onset (YO) CRC. A retrospective review of patients with CRC diagnosed between ages 20 and 49years was evaluated at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from 1/2004 to 6/2019. We excluded those with a hereditary CRC syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or prior CRC diagnosis. Patient demographics; presenting symptoms; medical, surgical, and smoking history; family history of cancer; tumor characteristics; and pathology were obtained from the electronic medical record. We identified 3856 YO CRC patients (median age CRC diagnosis 43; 52.5% male). A total of 59.1% were overweight or obese (32.2% and 26.9%, respectively). Most (90.1%) had no family history of CRC in a first-degree relative; 56.3% of patients reported being never smokers; 5.2% had diabetes. The most common presenting symptoms were rectal bleeding (47.7%), abdominal pain/bloating (33.1%), and change in bowel habits (24.7%). The majority presented with left-sided cancers (77.3%), at late-stage disease (68.4% at stages 3 or 4). Most YO CRC patients presented with rectal bleeding or abdominal pain, left-sided cancers, and later-stage disease and had no family history of CRC in a first-degree relative. Over half were overweight and obese and were more likely to have never smoked. More data are needed to better understand YO CRC risk factors and to help identify high-risk populations who may benefit from earlier screening.