We present a case of the rare occurrence of a mucus-secreting adenocarcinoma originating in an anal gland. A 37-year-old diabetic man had an anal fistulotomy 16 years before. He had four ischiorectal abscesses in a 6-month period. A seton was inserted in a complex fistula tract in the left anterior lateral aspect. Due to delayed healing, a new surgical exploration was carried out; pathological analysis of the curetted mucinous tissue revealed a mucoid adenocarcinoma. Surgical resection is the first choice of curative treatment, and additional treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) represents a risk factor for colorectal cancer, but the association between UC and appendix cancer is uncommon. A 60-year-old woman with a 5-year history of UC initially received medical treatment with mesalazine and prednisone with no satisfactory response; therefore surgery was indicated. The procedure was a total intersphincteric proctocolectomy with ileostomy. Histopathological analysis indicated adenocarcinoma from the cecal appendix, and chronic-active ulcerative colitis of the colon. In conclusion, surgeons and pathologists should examine every surgical specimen from patients with UC because of the possibility, although remote, of a neoplasic pathology. The appendix adenocarcinoma and ulcerative colitis may or may not be associated, same as colon cancer in patients with UC.
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