Rectal adenocarcinoma following cranio-spinal radiotherapy for cerebellar medulloblastoma

Pediatr Surg Int. 2007 Jun;23(6):605-7. doi: 10.1007/s00383-006-1825-2. Epub 2006 Nov 14.

Abstract

The authors present a case of a 16-year-old female diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma 10 years after receiving cranio-spinal radiotherapy for a cerebellar medulloblastoma. While the risk of a second malignancy is recognised to be increased in children previously treated with radiotherapy, rectal adenocarcinoma is a rare presentation. A child presenting with symptoms of weight loss and a change in bowel habit in a patient who has previously received radiotherapy should alert practitioners to the possibility of a colorectal malignancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / etiology*
  • Adolescent
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Cranial Irradiation / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Medulloblastoma / radiotherapy
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Rectal Neoplasms / etiology*