Carcinoma of the sigmoid colon: an unusual cause of Fournier's gangrene.

We report a case of perforated adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon in an inguinal hernia presenting as Fournier's gangrene. Bowel perforation has been known to cause this disease but, to our knowledge, perforation in an inguinal hernia due to benign or malignant disease has not been reported elsewhere. Gastrointestinal tract perforation should be sought as a potential etiology in patients with necrotizing fasciitis of the genitalia. When such a perforation exists occult malignancy should be ruled out.