Purpose: This study was designed to clarify the characteristics of large bowel cancer developing after radiotherapy for uterine cervical cancer.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed.
Results: The latent period was a mean of 20.5 years. The most common site was in the rectum (16/32). Mucin-producing carcinoma was observed in 53.1 percent, with an especially high rate of 75 percent in the rectum. Histologic radiation damage was also demonstrated at a high rate of 64.3 percent.
Conclusions: It was difficult to judge from clinicopathologic findings whether large bowel cancer developed with relation to radiation effect. We emphasize, however, that the characteristics are different from ordinary large bowel cancer. Particular consideration should be given to the high incidence of mucin-producing carcinoma.