Two cases of a rectal carcinoma that developed as a late complication of pelvic radiotherapy

Two cases of a pelvic evisceration have been performed, due to an irradiation-induced rectal cancer. Described are the cases of two women who had been treated with irradiation for a cervical cancer following a hysterectomy, one patient being 65 years old and the other 67. After a latent period that lasted for 12 and 24 years, respectively, each had developed a rectal cancer. In each case, case excised specimen showed diffuse fibrosis and a hyaline change, reflecting the effect of radiation on the tumoral tissue. Cases of an irradiation-induced rectal cancer are uncommon, and the symptoms of entercolitis caused by irradiation are similar to those of a colorectal cancer. The authors therefore suggest careful and long-term follow-up of patients that have received pelvic radiation. (author)