Primary Adenocarcinoma at Ileostomy—A Rare Late Complication: Three Cases and Literature Review

Abstract

Primary adenocarcinoma at the ileostomy site is a rare complication, with only 57 cases reported in the literature. The primary diagnosis is usually ulcerative colitis (UC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). We present 3 cases of adenocarcinoma at the ileostomy site. Two of our 3 cases have a previous diagnosis of cancer, with no previous diagnosis of UC or FAP. Adenocarcinoma at ileostomy is a rare late complication of permanent ileostomy. Possible etiologies are chronic irritation and changes in bacterial flora that lead to metaplasia and cancer development. Adenocarcinoma at the ileostomy site is a rare complication with good prognosis if detected early. Diagnosis is by biopsy, and treatment is surgical. A biopsy should be considered in any abnormal growth around the ileostomy.