Isolated Spleen Metastases of Endometrial Cancer: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Isolated splenic metastases from endometrial cancer, which is a relatively common malignancy, are extremely rare findings; to date, only 14 cases have been reported in the literature. CASE SUMMARY: We report a patient with isolated splenic metastases of endometrial cancer 3 years after radical surgery of the primary tumor. The patient was successfully treated by splenectomy and six cycles of paclitaxel. Fifty months after splenectomy, she was alive and well, and with no evidence of disease. CONCLUSION: Isolated spleen metastasis of endometrial cancer is very rare. Radical surgery and adjuvant therapy may offer excellent long-term survival.

Liver growth prediction in ALPPS - A multicenter analysis from the international ALPPS registry.

BACKGROUND: While ALPPS triggers a fast liver hypertrophy, it is still unclear which factors matter most to achieve accelerated hypertrophy within a short period of time. The aim of the study was to identify patient-intrinsic factors related to the growth of the future liver remnant (FLR). METHODS: This cohort study is composed of data derived from the International ALPPS Registry from November 2011 and October 2018. We analyse the influence of demographic, tumour type and perioperative data on the growth of the FLR. The volume of the FLR was calculated in millilitre and percentage using computed-tomography (CT) scans before and after stage 1, both according to Vauthey formula. RESULTS: A total of 734 patients were included from 99 centres. The median sFLR at stage 1 and stage 2 was 0.23 (IQR, 0.18-0.28) and 0.39 (IQR: 0.31-0.46), respectively. The variables associated with a lower increase from sFLR1 to sFLR2 were age˃68 years (p = .02), height ˃1.76 m (p ˂ .01), weight ˃83 kg (p ˂ .01), BMI˃28 (p ˂ .01), male gender (p ˂ .01), antihypertensive therapy (p ˂ .01), operation time ˃370 minutes (p ˂ .01) and hospital stay˃14 days (p ˂ .01). The time required to reach sufficient volume for stage 2, male gender accounts 40.3% in group ˂7 days, compared with 50% of female, and female present 15.3% in group ˃14 days compared with 20.6% of male. CONCLUSIONS: Height, weight, FLR size and gender could be the variables that most constantly influence both daily growths, the interstage increase and the standardized FLR before the second stage.

Histopathologic differentiation as a prognostic factor in patients with carcinoma of the hepatopancreatic ampulla of Vater.

OBJECTIVE: Periampullary carcinomas are a group of neoplasms with variable histopathology that originate from the anatomical junction of different epithelial types including the bile duct, pancreatic duct, and duodenal mucosa. This study was performed to determine whether the histopathologic type of these tumors should be considered an independent prognostic factor. METHODS: We analyzed the specimen histopathology of 37 patients who underwent radical cephalic pancreatoduodenectomy for carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater during a 5-year period. We excluded patients with other tumors with an indication for Whipple's procedure and those in whom R0 resection was not achieved. RESULTS: The carcinomas of the hepatopancreatic ampulla were intestinal in 23 (62%) patients, pancreatobiliary in 13 (35%), and mixed type in 1 (3%). The analysis demonstrated significantly more advanced local tumor spread, a more aggressive lymph node metastasizing pattern, and more frequent lymphatic and perineural invasion in patients with pancreatobiliary than intestinal and mixed type tumors. CONCLUSION: Pancreatobiliary type of ampullary carcinoma is associated with a poorer prognosis than intestinal and mixed types because of its more aggressive behavior. Histopathology should be regarded as an independent predictor of survival and may have therapeutic and prognostic implications for patients.

A Prospective, Randomized, Phase III Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Fibrin Sealant Grifols as an Adjunct to Hemostasis as Compared to Cellulose Sheets in Hepatic Surgery Resections.

BACKGROUND: Local hemostatic agents have a role in limiting bleeding complications associated with liver resection. METHODS: In this randomized, phase III study, we compared the efficacy and safety of Fibrin Sealant Grifols (FS Grifols) with oxidized cellulose sheets (Surgicel®) as adjuncts to hemostasis during hepatic resections. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving hemostasis at target bleeding sites (TBS) within 4 min (T4) of treatment application. Secondary efficacy variables were time to hemostasis (TTH) at a later time point if re-bleeding occurs and cumulative proportion of patients achieving hemostasis by time points T2, T3, T5, T7, and T10. RESULTS: The rate of hemostasis by T4 was 92.8% in the FS Grifols group (n = 163) and 80.5% in the Surgicel® group (n = 162) (p = 0.01). The mean TTH was significantly shorter (p < 0.001) in the FS Grifols group (2.8 ± 0.14 vs. 3.8 ± 0.24 min). The rate of hemostasis by T2, T5, and T7 was higher and statistically superior in the FS Grifols group compared to Surgicel®. No substantial differences in adverse events (AE) were noted between treatment groups. The most common AEs were procedural pain (36.2 vs. 37.7%), nausea (20.9 vs. 23.5%), and hypotension (14.1 vs 6.2%). CONCLUSIONS: FS Grifols was safe and well tolerated as a local hemostatic agent during liver resection surgeries. Overall, data demonstrate that the hemostatic efficacy of FS Grifols is superior to Surgicel® and support the use of FS Grifols as an effective local hemostatic agent in these surgical procedures.

Large retroperitoneal schwannoma: a rare cause of chronic back pain.

Schwannomas are tumours that arise from Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve sheath and rarely occur in the retroperitoneum. We report a 45-year-old woman who presented with a 2-year history of continuous progressive right-sided lower back and dull flank pain radiating into her posterolateral thigh. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging showed a homogenous soft-tissue tumour with thick capsular lining, which lay in the right retroperitoneum. The tumour was removed at surgery. A histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of benign encapsulated cellular schwannoma. Complete tumour excision should be regarded as the treatment of choice for benign retroperitoneal schwannomas. Successful treatment of these tumours requires thorough preoperative planning and a multidisciplinary approach.

Laparotomy site implantation metastasis of carcinoma of the papilla of Vater.

Introduction Carcinomas of the papilla of Vater make up a heterogeneous group of tumours arising from different types of epithelium. Regional lymph nodes, liver and lungs are the primary sites of metastatic progression of these tumours. Case presentation We present a patient with an abdominal incision site metastasis of low-grade (mixed type) adenocarcinoma of the papilla of Vater one year after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Implantation metastasis of low-grade ampullary carcinoma in the laparotomy wound after open Whipple's procedure is unusual. Conclusion Adjuvant chemoradiation might be considered for patients with low-grade localised disease as a potentially preventative measure vs. metastatic progression.

Triple gastric peptic ulcer perforation.

Patients with advanced or metastatic cancer have compromised nutritional, metabolic, and immune conditions. Nevertheless, little is known about gastroduodenal perforation in cancer patients. Described in the present report is the case of a 41-year old woman with stage IV recurrent laryngeal cancer, who used homeopathic anticancer therapy and who had triple peptic ulcer perforation (PUP) that required surgical repair. Triple gastric PUP is a rare complication. Self-administration of homeopathic anticancer medication should be strongly discouraged when evidence-based data regarding efficacy and toxicity is lacking.

The role of duodenogastric reflux in formation of precarcinogenic gastric lesions--an experimental study.

INTRODUCTION: Duodenogastric reflux, commonly encountered as an aftermath of gastroenteroanastomosis, with or without gastric resection (Billroth I, Billroth II), vagotomy and pyloroplastic surgery, is known to cause inflammatory-dystrophic-metaplastic lesions of gastric mucosa. Our objective was to determine the effects of surgery-induced duodenogastric reflux on the development of precarcinogenic lesions or carcinoma in correlation with the reflux duration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiment was performed on three groups of Wistar rats with 1) Billroth II-induced reflux surgery, 2) resection of the Rouxr-en-Y type reconstruction, and 3) control group with no resection. The aim of the experiment was to study the effects ofduodenogastric reflux on the rat gastric mucosa in correlation with two different types of gastroenteroanastomosis 8, 16 and 24 weeks after the surgery. RESULTS: In Billroth II group, hyperplastic changes were observed as early as in week 16. Statistically significant results were recorded in week 24, with 6.7% of metaplastic alterations, including dysplasia of all three degrees, dominantly severe dysplasia in 66.67%, early carcinoma in 20% and gastric carcinoma in 6.67%. In the Roux-en-Y group, gastric mucosa remained predominantly normal (60%), with somewhat increased frequency ofgastritis and dysplasia in week 24. In the control group, the finding of normal gastric mucosa was constant. CONCLUSION: The experiment confirms that direct contact of duodenal juice with gastric mucosa associated with Billroth II resection causes precarcinogenic lesions. Development of adenocarcinoma caused solely by duodenogastric reflux, excluding a carcinogenic agent is possible 20 weeks after the experiment--earlier than suggested by previous researchers.

Giant primary retroperitoneal myxoid leiomyoma: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Leiomyomas are benign smooth muscle tumors that usually arise from the uterus. CASE REPORT: We present a patient with a 6-month history of vague abdominal discomfort, occasional nausea, vomiting and urinary incontinence. On examination, there was an extremely large firm unpainfull palpable abdominal mass. Laboratory investigation revealed mild leukocytosis and blood creatinine elevation. Abdominopelvic ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a massive well bordered, encapsulated intraabdominal tumor, extending from the pelvis to epigastrium and almost completely fulfilling the pelvic and abdominal cavity. At laparotomy, tumor arising from the retroperitoneum was excised in toto. Histopathological examination disclosed that the tumor was composed mainly of smooth muscle cells and very rare fibrous connective tissue elements with myxomatous alteration and with no mitotic activity. The negative results of numerous additional parameters analyzed (pancytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, S100 protein, CD68, CD34, desmin, aktin) ruled out different origin of a tumor. One year after resection the patient had no complaints and no radiological evidence of tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION: Considering current limitations in radiological diagnosis, in toto resection of these tumors is necessary to rule out malignancy.

Case of rectal angioleiomyoma in a female patient.

Angioleiomyoma represents a benign stromal tumor, which usually occurs in the subcutaneous tissue of the extremities, although its occurrence in the gastrointestinal tract is very rare. A case of rectal angioleiomyoma in a 40 year-old female patient is described here. Six months earlier, the patient suffered from periodical prolapse of an oval tumor from the anus, along with difficulties in bowel movement. A transanal extirpation of the tumor was performed. This is the first reported case in the English literature of a patient presenting with prolapsed angioleiomyoma of the rectum. During the immediate postoperative period, as well as 6 mo later, the patient had an unremarkable postoperative recovery.

Alemtuzumab versus interferon beta 1a as first-line treatment for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: The anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab reduced disease activity in a phase 2 trial of previously untreated patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. We aimed to assess efficacy and safety of first-line alemtuzumab compared with interferon beta 1a in a phase 3 trial. METHODS: In our 2 year, rater-masked, randomised controlled phase 3 trial, we enrolled adults aged 18-50 years with previously untreated relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Eligible participants were randomly allocated in a 2:1 ratio by an interactive voice response system, stratified by site, to receive intravenous alemtuzumab 12 mg per day or subcutaneous interferon beta 1a 44 µg. Interferon beta 1a was given three-times per week and alemtuzumab was given once per day for 5 days at baseline and once per day for 3 days at 12 months. Coprimary endpoints were relapse rate and time to 6 month sustained accumulation of disability in all patients who received at least one dose of study drug. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00530348. FINDINGS: 187 (96%) of 195 patients randomly allocated interferon beta 1a and 376 (97%) of 386 patients randomly allocated alemtuzumab were included in the primary analyses. 75 (40%) patients in the interferon beta 1a group relapsed (122 events) compared with 82 (22%) patients in the alemtuzumab group (119 events; rate ratio 0·45 [95% CI 0·32-0·63]; p<0.0001), corresponding to a 54·9% improvement with alemtuzumab. Based on Kaplan-Meier estimates, 59% of patients in the interferon beta 1a group were relapse-free at 2 years compared with 78% of patients in the alemtuzumab group (p<0·0001). 20 (11%) of patients in the interferon beta 1a group had sustained accumulation of disability compared with 30 (8%) in the alemtuzumab group (hazard ratio 0·70 [95% CI 0·40-1·23]; p=0·22). 338 (90%) of patients in the alemtuzumab group had infusion-associated reactions; 12 (3%) of which were regarded as serious. Infections, predominantly of mild or moderate severity, occurred in 253 (67%) patients treated with alemtuzumab versus 85 (45%) patients treated with interferon beta 1a. 62 (16%) patients treated with alemtuzumab had herpes infections (predominantly cutaneous) compared with three (2%) patients treated with interferon beta 1a. By 24 months, 68 (18%) patients in the alemtuzumab group had thyroid-associated adverse events compared with 12 (6%) in the interferon beta 1a group, and three (1%) had immune thrombocytopenia compared with none in the interferon beta 1a group. Two patients in the alemtuzumab group developed thyroid papillary carcinoma. INTERPRETATION: Alemtuzumab's consistent safety profile and benefit in terms of reductions of relapse support its use for patients with previously untreated relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis; however, benefit in terms of disability endpoints noted in previous trials was not observed here. FUNDING: Genzyme (Sanofi) and Bayer Schering Pharma.

Incarcerated inguinal hernias surgical treatment specifics in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Incarcerated inguinal hernias surgical treatment represents one of the most frequent surgical treatments in elderly patients. The percentage of incarcerated inguinal hernias urgent surgical treatments is growing exponentially with the age in patients over 50. The aim of the study was to investigate some of the factors that may have impact on the incarcerated inguinal hernias surgical treatment outcome in elderly patients. METHODS: The study included 180 patients classified in two groups: the study group (> 65 years of age) and the control group (< or = 65), managed in the period from January 2005 till March 2009 at the General Surgery Clinic, Clinical Center Nis. RESULTS: Most of the patients had right inguinal hernia (52.6%, the study group; 59.1%, the control group). All the study group patients suffered from some of accompanying chronic diseases (100%), opposite to 39 (59%) patients of the control group. Synthetic material was implanted in 124 (68.90%) patients, while the tension technique was performed in 65 (31.1%) patients. The duration of incarceration more than 24 h (p = 0.015), previous abdominal surgery (p = 0.001), the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system (ASA classification) (p = 0.033) and the presence of chronic diseases (p = 0.01) appeared to be statistically significant risk factors for performing intestinal resection in the study group, while in the control group they represented risk factors, but not at the level of statistical significance (p < 0.05), except for the duration of incarceration (p = 0.007). A higher ASA stage (p = 0.001) and the presence of bowel resection (p <0.001) are the most important risk factors for lethal outcome in both groups of patients. CONCLUSION: Incarcerated inguinal hernia in elderly patients is a serious problem. A higher ASA score and the presence of bowel resection are the most important factors related to unfavorable outcome.

Primary colorectal lymphoma: An overview.

Lymphomas represent common hematological malignancies with increasing incidence in recent years. The major site of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the gastrointestinal tract. Involvement of the large intestine is rare in comparison to the stomach or small bowel. The disease appears later in life, predominantly in the male population. Complaints are nonspecific, requiring a high index of suspicion in order to establish the diagnosis. The treatment varies from chemotherapy alone to multimodal therapies combining surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The small number of patients with various histological subtypes and different stage at presentation results in unclear protocol for the treatment of primary colorectal lymphoma. The purpose of this paper is to review current data on primary lymphoma of the colon and rectum while analyzing reported case series and published material on the subject.

Correlation of cell cycle regulatory proteins (p53 and p16(ink)4(a)) and bcl-2 oncoprotein with mitotic index and thickness of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma.

The purpose of the study was to determine the frequency of expression p53 and p16INK4a proteins and bcl-2 oncoprotein in malignant skin melanoma and to determine their correlation with the proliferative index and tumor thickness. The study involved 53 patients: 27 (51%) male and 26 (49%) female. Mitotic index showed a correlation with p53 protein expression, a negative correlation with p16INK4a protein expression. Statistically significant correlations were determined between the Breslow tumor thickness, Clark invasion level and p53 protein expression, as well as Breslow tumor thickness and bcl-2 oncoprotein expression (p<0.05), whereas there was no correlation between the p16INK4a protein expression and melanoma thicknes and Clark invasion level. Overexpression p53 protein and bcl-2 oncoprotein, with the loss p16INK4a protein of expression in the nodular melanoma, confirms a frequent loss of function of these tumor suppressor gene and oncogene, and indicates a vertical tumor growth phase. The loss of tumor suppression function the p53 protein and bcl-2 oncoprotein overexpression in cutaneous melanoma correlates with larger tumor thickness, whereas the overexpression of mutated p53 protein and loss p16INK4a protein of expression indicate a higher proliferative tumour potential. Therefore, these evaluated proteins may be the aggressive biological tumour activity markers.

Nonfunctional retroperitoneal paraganglioma presenting as acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Paragangliomas are very rare tumors arising from extraadrenal chromaffin cells. Clinical presentation of benign retroperitoneal nonfunctional paraganglioma is unspecific. Symptoms may occur when tumor attains a remarkable size or when complications arise. This article reports a case of nonfunctional retroperitoneal paraganglioma as a cause of acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage which represents the unusual urgent clinical manifestation of these tumors. The presented case emphasizes the necessity to include extraadrenal paraganglioma in the differential diagnosis in all patients with retroperitoneal mass found even in the presence of at first appearance non-related emergency condition like acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

[Use of linear radiofrequency device in liver resection].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Linear radiofrequency device (LRFD) is disposable tool designed for liver parenchyma transection using controlled radiofrequency to "seal" blood vessels and bile ducts, making liver resection easier and safer compared to classical resectional techniques. The aim of this study was to determine real value of the LRFD compared to the standard "keliclasia" technique. METHODS: This prospective study analyzed the significant intraoperative parameters and postoperative results of the 200 patients who underwent surgery at the Surgery Clinic of Clinical Centre in Nis, between January 1, 2001, and January 1, 2009. The patients were divided into two groups: the control Keli group (144 patients) with the "keliclasia" resection technique and the control RF group (with resection performed using LRFD--Tissue Link / Dissection Sealer (DS-3.0) (56 patients). The following parameters were analyzed: duration of liver ischemia, liver parenchyma transection time, intraoperative blood loss, significant intraoperative and postoperative complication rate-duration of hospitalization and mortality. RESULTS: . LRFD was used in 56 liver resections. The average duration of liver ischemia in the RF group was shorter than in the Keli group (7 versus 22 minutes). Parenchymal liver transection was significantly slower in the RF group than in the Keli group (2.05 versus 4.34 cm2/minutes, respectively). There was less intraoperative bleeding using LRFD "Keliclasia" technique than in the control group (390 mL compared to 420 mL, respectively). After the use of LRFD two cases of biliary leak and 4 pleural effusions were registered. CONCLUSION: LRFD is simple device for safe liver transection with decreased need for liver ischemia and significant reducing of the intraoperative blood loss. High price for disposable device and slow parenchyma transection are disadvantages of this device.

[Preoperative identification of bleeding site caused by angiodysplasia of the small bowel by means of selective arteriography and application of methylene blue].

BACKGROUND: Small bowel hemorrhages are rare and account for 2-10% of all gastrointestinal bleedings. In case that surgery is necessary, identification of the bleeding site is the most important problem. CASE REPORT: We presented here the case of a 65-year old man, admitted for urgent care of massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding. After reanimation and normalization of vital parameters, selective arteriography was done. A contrast extravasation site was identified at the level of jejunal branches of a. mesenterica superior and labeled by means of methylene blue application. Immediately after we performed conservative resection of the labeled jejunal loop in 10 cm length and terminoterminal anastomosis. The preparation was sent for histopathologic examination--small bowel angiodysplasia was identified. The patient was monitored in three month intervals in the next two years and new bleeding events were not observed. CONCLUSION: Bleeding caused by small bowel angiodysplasia is a significant diagnostic problem in cases in whom urgent surgery is required. Combined preoperative selective arteriography and methylene blue application make possible precise identification of the bleeding site as well as conservative small bowel surgery, avoiding thus the risk and danger of malabsorption syndrome.

Malignant schwannoma of the pancreas involving transversal colon treated with en-bloc resection.

Pancreatic schwannoma is a very uncommon tumor of the pancreas, with only 27 cases reported. Most pancreatic schwannomas are benign, with only four malignant tumors reported. We describe a case of giant malignant schwannoma of the pancreatic body and tail, which involved the transverse colon. The tumor was treated successfully with en bloc distal splenopancreatectomy and colon resection. This is believed to be the first reported radical operation for malignant schwannoma of the pancreatic body, with infiltration of the transverse colon, with excellent long-term results. The patient is alive and well 28 mo after the operation. The authors conclude that pancreatic schwannomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic neoplasms of the pancreas, although the diagnosis can only be confirmed by microscopic examination. In the case of the benign tumors, local excision is adequate, but in the case of malignant schwannoma, oncological standards must be fulfilled.

[Implications of anesthetic techniques on patients' recovery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Different techniques of general anesthesia are used for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The aim of the study was to establish the best anesthetic technique for achieving better results during awakening affecting not only patient's recovery, but activities of anesthesiological team, as well. METHODS: The study was conducted as a prospective comparative clinical trial. The patients (n=90) were classified according to the applied anesthetic technique into two groups: Volatile Induction and Maintenance Anaesthesia (VIMA) with sevofluran and Target Controlled Infusion (TCI). The results relating to parameters of recovery after anesthesia and surgery were compared between these two groups. The following parameters were analysed: demographic patients' characteristics, duration of anesthesia, the times to eye opening, to respond to a command, to extubation, and to orientation, from the last anesthetic dose receiving until post anesthesia discharge (PAD), frequency of postoperative nausea, vomiting and agitation (PONVA). RESULTS: In the examined groups there were no statistically significant differences in the duration of anesthesia (68.29 +/- 6.47 vs 66.29 +/- 11.97 min, p = 0.327). The time to eye opening was significantly shorter in the group VIMA compared to the group TCI (4.49 +/- 1.20 vs 7.42 +/- 1.25 min, p = 0.000), as well as the time to respond to a command (5.93 +/- 1.12 vs 8.47 +/- 1.08 min, p = 0.000). The patients anesthetised with VIMA technique wer estatistically significantly extubated earlier (6.84 +/- 1.19 vs 9.69 +/- 1.31 min, p = 0.000). Considering orientation time, there was also statistically significant difference between the two groups (7.51 +/- 0.97 vs 11.60 +/- 1.75 min, p = 0.000). There was no statistically significant difference in PAD time duration (19.42 +/- 5.99 vs 20.80 +/- 1.59 min, p = 0.142). There were no statistically significant differences in PONVA events between the examined groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed that VIMA technique with sevofluran in LC provides faster and more qualitative recovery of patients. Thus this technique should be applied in everyday anesthesiological procedures in LC, as well as in other minimally invasive videoendoscopic surgical procedures.

[Primary colorectal lymphomas].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Colorectal lymphoma is a rare tumor representing 1.4% of human lymphomas, 10-20% of gastrointestinal lymphomas, namely 0.2-0.6% of all malignancies in the colon. The aim of this study was to review clinical characteristics of primary colorectal lymphoma and overall survival. METHODS: A detailed analysis of 16 surgically treated patients included patients age, symptoms and signs, tumor site, type of surgery, histopathologic findings, diagnosis of the disease, disease stage, type of surgery related to the degreee of emergency (elective or urgent), applied adjuvant therapy, patient follow-up and treatment outcomes. Survival was expressed by the Kaplan-Meier curve, while the difference in survival among the two groups by the Log-rank test. RESULTS: The all patients were on an average followed-up for a median of 29 months (range 2-60 months), while those with chemotherapy 48 months (range 4-60 months). An overall mean survival time was 38.65 months. CONCLUSION: Primary colorectal lymphoma is a rare malignant tumor of the large bowel. Therapy usually involves resection of the affected colon or rectum and regional lymphovascular structures, followed by adjuvant therapy. Survival period is short and, therefore, timely diagnosis is crucial in early disease stages when the probability of cure is high.