Acute intestinal obstruction revealing metastatic rectal cancer in a young adult: case report

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the third most common cancer and the second leading annual cause of cancer-related death in the United States. the incidence of colorectal cancer has decreased in the West and increased in Africa, with a clear predominance among young adults. We report the case of a 27-year-old young man suffering from metastatic rectal cancer. He had a history of alcohol, tobacco and cocaine use. The diagnosis was made based on clinical signs of acute intestinal obstruction and rectal syndrome. A laparotomy was performed. A lateral colostomy was made. Pathological examination revealed mucinous adenocarcinoma. He benefited from a multimodal therapeutic strategy (surgery and chemotherapy) which allowed survival. Interest is in its early appearance.