Primary Carcinoma of the Rectovaginal Septum Diagnosed as Uterine Prolapse

Gregg Nelson, Gregory S. Nelson, Prafull Ghatage, Ghatage P, Thomas C. Mainprize, Mainprize TC, Duggan MA, Máire A. Duggan, Buie D, Donald Buie, Nation JG, Jill Nation, Jill G Nation
Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal d'obstetrique et gynecologie du Canada : JOGC · 2005 · vol. 27(11) , pp. 1027–1030 · doi:10.1016/s1701-2163(16)30502-3 · PMID:16529670 · W184389602
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This case report details the diagnosis of a primary rectovaginal septum carcinoma that was initially misidentified as uterine prolapse.

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Abstract

BackgroundPrimary carcinoma of the rectovaginal septum is very rare. Most cases are associated with documented endometriosis, and patients will often present with vaginal or rectal bleeding.CaseA 47-year-old woman presented to the emergency department complaining of urinary symptoms and "something falling out of the vagina." She was diagnosed initially as having uterine prolapse. However, further investigations and surgery showed that she had a primary papillary serous carcinoma of the rectovaginal septum, and the carcinoma later metastasized to the lymph nodes. No evidence of endometriosis was found. Assessment and subsequent treatment of this aggressive tumour was likely delayed because of its initial benign presentation.ConclusionOur presentation of the case of a woman with primary carcinoma of the rectovaginal septum not associated with a focus of endometriosis shows that this rare aggressive cancer may present in a clinically benign fashion.

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MeSH descriptors

Carcinoma, Papillary Rectal Neoplasms Uterine Prolapse Vaginal Neoplasms Carcinoma, Papillary Carcinoma, Papillary Carcinoma, Papillary Diagnosis, Differential Fatal Outcome Female Humans Lymphatic Metastasis Middle Aged Rectal Neoplasms Rectal Neoplasms Uterine Prolapse Uterine Prolapse Vaginal Neoplasms Vaginal Neoplasms

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