An irreducible left scrotal hernia containing a sigmoid colon tumor (adenocarcinoma) - Case report.

INTRODUCTION: In relation to all inguinal hernias, large irreducible scrotal hernias are quite rare, while such hernias containing colon tumors in the sac have so far been described in fewer than 30 cases. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 61-year-old patient was admitted for a planned surgery because of a large irreducible left-sided scrotal hernia. Intraoperatively, a large tumor of the sigmoid colon was found in the hernial sac. In a histopathological examination it was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. A palliative operation was performed and he was referred to further systemic and palliative treatment (because of numerous coexisting liver metastases). DISCUSSION: Until now, only about 30 cases of colon tumor in inguinal hernia sac have been reported. CONCLUSION: It should be remembered that even the most obvious preoperative diagnosis may be verified intraoperatively.