Perforated sigmoid colon carcinoma in an irreducible inguinoscrotal hernia.

Inguinal (inguinoscrotal) hernia and colon cancer are common conditions. However, it is rare for primary colon cancer to exist in an inguinal hernia sac and even rarer for it to perforate. We report such an event in our patient, who had an irreducible left inguinoscrotal hernia containing a sigmoid colon carcinoma that had perforated. This clinical picture can be easily confused with hernia strangulation unless the clinician is alert to the presence of certain sinister symptoms and signs.