Prostate carcinoma mimicking rectal cancer: a case report

In the pre-prostate specific antigen era, patients with prostate cancer (PC) commonly presented with symptoms. Currently, most PC are diagnosed at an asymptomatic stage with abnormal digital rectal examination or raised prostate specific antigen. In rare cases, PC may infiltrate the rectum and cause symptoms mimicking rectal cancer. It is difficult to differentiate between the two based on clinical features alone. We here report our experience in managing an 86-year-old male, with no significant personal pathological history, who presented with diarrhea and occasional rectal bleeding without any lower urinary tract symptoms. Investigations concluded to a PC invading the rectum and the patient was referred to urology department.