Affiliation:
1. Institut Bergonié, Department of Surgical Oncology, Bordeaux, France
2. Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, Department of General Surgery, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and lethal disease. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of CRC, with different incidence and mortality rates around the world. Geographic differences appear to be attributable to exposures that are superimposed on a background of genetically determined susceptibility. Globally, CRC is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and the third in females, with 1.8 million new cases and approximately 861,000 deaths in 2018, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Epidemiologically, it is a disease of the middle-aged and elderly. However, it may occur in young patients, presenting with an aggressive biological behaviour and poor prognosis. Among this young age group are childbearing women, with CRC in pregnancy being rarely diagnosed and reported. Its diagnosis is a challenge to the unaware and, once diagnosed, management options are limited. This study aims to elucidate the presentation, diagnosis, anatomical location, pathogenesis, and treatment options of CRC in pregnancy.