The Importance of Intraoperative Exploration and Intensive Postoperative Monitoring in the Detection and Management of Synchronous and Metachronous Colorectal Tumors

Marija Nikolić ,
Marija Nikolić

Department of Surgery, General Surgery Service, Clinical Hospital Center Zemun , Belgrade , Serbia

Nebojša Mitrović ,
Nebojša Mitrović

Department of Surgery, General Surgery Service, Clinical Hospital Center Zemun , Belgrade , Serbia

Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia

Dejan Stevanović ,
Dejan Stevanović

Department of Surgery, General Surgery Service, Clinical Hospital Center Zemun , Belgrade , Serbia

Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia

Nemanja Trifunović ,
Nemanja Trifunović

Department of Surgery, General Surgery Service, Clinical Hospital Center Zemun , Belgrade , Serbia

Jovana Trifunović ,
Jovana Trifunović

Oncology Hospital, Clinical Hospital Center Zemun , Belgrade , Serbia

Milica Radivojević ,
Milica Radivojević

Department of Surgery, General Surgery Service, Clinical Hospital Center Zemun , Belgrade , Serbia

Damir Jašarović
Damir Jašarović

Department of Surgery, General Surgery Service, Clinical Hospital Center Zemun , Belgrade , Serbia

Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia

Volume 39, Issue 1 (2025)

https://doi.org/10.63696/TMJ202501177

Abstract

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common malignancies, with a rising global incidence. Synchronous tumors refer to the presence of multiple tumors simultaneously in different segments of the colon or rectum, while metachronous tumors occur during follow-up after initial treatment. These tumors are often undetected during standard diagnostic procedures, making intraoperative exploration and postoperative monitoring crucial for timely diagnosis and successful treatment. Case Report: A 63-year-old patient was admitted for sideropenic anemia and weight loss. Colonoscopy revealed a tumor in the cecum, confirmed as adenocarcinoma. During surgery, two additional tumor lesions were discovered in the ascending and transverse colon. Following an extended right hemicolectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy according to the FOLFOX protocol, the patient remained disease-free until May 2023, when a metachronous tumor in the rectum was detected. The lesion was removed via transanal excision, and histopathological findings indicated intramucosal carcinoma. Continuous follow-up until November 2024 showed no disease progression. Conclusion: Intraoperative exploration enabled the identification of previously undetected synchronous tumors, influencing the extent of surgery and the postoperative treatment plan. Regular monitoring, including colonoscopy and radiological methods, is essential for the early detection of metachronous tumors and achieving optimal outcomes. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing patients with synchronous and metachronous CRC.

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