Carcinoma Following Pregnancy With Spontaneous Cure
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 49: 1945; 778-782
View Original Source →Abstract
Diffuse carcinoma of the peritoneum and mesentery is generally metastatic. It is usually inoperable because of its extensive spread and involvement of adjacent organs. A case is reported in which multiple metastases in the abdominal cavity were found 4 months postpartum. Three years postoperative the patient was pregnant again. In view of her history, the surgical, medical, and pathological departments advised termination of the pregnancy by abdominal hysterotomy and sterilization. Upon operation no evidence of carcinomatous tissue was found.
Case Details
Personal Characteristics
34-year-old primipara, had a normal pregnancy, had an appendectomy in 1932
Clinical Characteristics
Colicky pains in the upper abdomen, weakness, fatigue, epigastric fullness, nausea and vomiting, anorexia, frequency of urination, loss of weight, small, tender pedunculated fibroid attached posteriorly to the uterus, large, tender, fixed mass in the mid abdomen, enlarged and tender liver, free hemorrhagic fluid in the peritoneal cavity, multiple metastatic nodules in liver, multiple implants on the peritoneum and in the omentum, large, firm mass involving the gastrocolic omentum and the transverse colon, two pedunculated fibroids in uterus, ovaries studded with peritoneal implants
Remission Characteristics
Masses not felt, liver enlargement receded, gained weight, regular menses, no complaints, no evidence of carcinomatous degeneration upon second operation
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Not discussed
Clinical Treatment
Laparotomy, biopsy, total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
Additional Notes
Patient was pregnant again three years postoperative. The surgical, medical, and pathological departments advised termination of the pregnancy by abdominal hysterotomy and sterilization. Upon operation no evidence of carcinomatous tissue was found.