A 24-year-old patient was admitted with persistent lower abdominal pain and blood in her stool. Tests showed a large rectal tumour that had spread to the pelvic peritoneum, along with two large ovarian cysts.
Doctor Ngo Tuong Phong of the General Surgery Department at Minh Anh International General Hospital said colorectal tumours in younger patients tend to be more malignant and progress faster. The most difficult part of the case was the presence of two very large ovarian cysts, particularly an endometriosis-related cyst that had caused extensive adhesions. The right ovarian cyst measured up to 12 × 12 cm, roughly the size of a small football, and occupied the pelvis. The left cyst measured about 3 × 4 cm.
“When we opened the abdomen, the pelvic organs, including the sigmoid colon, rectum and ovaries, were tightly stuck together in one mass. The surgical team had to separate them little by little to minimise the risk of damaging nearby organs,” Doctor Phong said.
The operation lasted more than three hours. Doctors removed both ovarian cysts, resected the section of the rectum containing the tumour with modern equipment and restored the digestive tract. They completed the operation without creating a colostomy, preserved the left ovary and kept the uterus.
The patient recovered well after surgery. On the third day, she passed gas, could move lightly and began eating by mouth. By the 11th day, she had normal bowel movements, less pain around the incision and could manage her personal activities. She was expected to leave the hospital in two days and continue chemotherapy under the prescribed regimen.
Colorectal cancer among younger people
According to Doctor Ngo Tuong Phong, colorectal cancer in Vietnam is clearly becoming more common among younger people. The country records about 16,000 to 17,000 new cases each year, with young patients accounting for 10% to 15%.
The main reason for late diagnosis among younger people is that they underestimate the symptoms. Many ignore early digestive problems or try to treat themselves at home. Other major risk factors include eating a lot of grilled and oily fried food, smoking, drinking alcohol, low physical activity and obesity.
Symptoms that need attention
Doctor Phong said early signs of colorectal cancer can include:
Changes in bowel habits: prolonged constipation or diarrhoea, or alternating constipation and diarrhoea.
Changes in stool: unusually thin or flat stools, mucus or blood in the stool.
Dull pain in the lower abdomen and bloating without a clear cause.
People over 50 should have regular annual screening. Younger people, and those with a family history of polyps or colorectal cancer, should start endoscopic screening earlier, at 35 to 40 years of age.
Sources: Thanh Niên
