Delay in Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer Results in Advanced Metastatic Disease and Ultimate Death of the Patient

This case involves a patient who had been under the care of the same physician for 9 years. During this time he complained intermittently of back problems and fatigue. He was prescribed B12 injections, multivitamins, iron and folic acid over the ensuing years. In 1999 at the age of 43, the patient presented with complaints of rectal bleeding and had a hemoglobin of 14.6. His physician ordered a barium enema and found diverticular disease. At a follow up office visit two weeks later, the patient again reported rectal bleeding. A high fiber diet and Cipro were recommended. No rectal exam is recorded at either of these office visits.