Case reports

Colon cancer presenting as a hepatic mass in pregnancy: A case report and review of the literature

Nnabuike Chibuoke Ngene, Emeka F Orie, Thinagrin D Naidoo, Jagidesa Moodley

Abstract


The incidences of hepatic masses and colon cancer in pregnancy are low. The clinical features of each can mimic those of pregnancy, thereby posing a diagnostic challenge to clinicians, particularly when the clinical scenario is complicated by HIV infection. This report illustrates such diagnostic difficulties, and the need to offer diagnostic colonoscopy to HIV-infected pregnant women who present with both a hepatic mass and minor gastrointestinal symptoms. It also highlights an approach to the management of colon carcinoma presenting as a hepatic mass in pregnancy.


Authors' affiliations

Nnabuike Chibuoke Ngene, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Grey’s-Edendale Hospitals Complex, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Emeka F Orie, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Grey’s-Edendale Hospitals Complex, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Thinagrin D Naidoo, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Grey’s-Edendale Hospitals Complex, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Jagidesa Moodley, Women’s Health and HIV Research Group, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

Full Text

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Keywords

Colorectal cancer; Colonoscopy; Hepatomegaly; HIV; Pregnancy

Cite this article

South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2014;20(2):60-62. DOI:10.7196/sajog.756

Article History

Date submitted: 2013-07-17
Date published: 2014-08-13

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