Is colonoscopy sufficient for colorectal cancer surveillance in all HNPCC patients?

A 34-year-old male with hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer with a mutation in hMSH2 line is reported. Despite regular colonoscopic follow-up, he developed cecal cancer involving the extraluminal area. Due to sub-occlusive symptoms, the patient was submitted to further colonoscopy, however with no clear evidence of neoplasia. Thin slice multiplanar reconstruction computed tomography CT scan performed thereafter revealed a transmural mass 2.5 cm in size localized near the cecal valve. Discussion is made on the reliability of colonoscopic examinations as well as the need for further investigations in the follow-up of patients at very high risk of right-sided colon cancer, such as male hMSH2 carrier affected by hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer. (C) 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.