Skip to main content
Log in

Mucinous adenocarcinoma developing in chronic anal fistula: Report of two cases and review of the literature

  • Published:
Diseases of the Colon & Rectum

Abstract

Mucinous adenocarcinoma developing in a chronic anal fistula is a rare tumor of the anus of which there are less than 150 reported cases. There has been some debate as to whether the fistula is the source of the tumor, or whether the fistula is the presenting feature of a slow-growing, indolent carcinoma. Two recent cases seen at our hospital are presented, along with a review of the literature and what we feel to be strong evidence that the fistula and associated anal glands are indeed the source of this unusual tumor.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Nielsen OV, Koch F Carcinomas of the anorectal region of extramucosal origin with special reference to the anal ducts. Acta Chir Scand 1973;139:299–305.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Kline RJ, Spencer RJ, Harrison EG Jr. Carcinoma associated with fistula-in-ano. Arch Surg 1964;89:989–94.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Rosser C. The relation of fistula in ano to cancer of the anal canal. Trans Am Proctol Soc 1934;35:65–71.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Skir I Mucinous carcinoma associated with fistulas of longstanding. Am J Surg 1948;75:85–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Heidenreich A, Collarini HA, Paladino AM, Fernandez JM, Calvo TO. Cancer in anal fistulas: report of two cases. Dis Colon Rectum 1966;9:371–6.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Grinvalsky HT, Helvig EB. Carcinoma of the anorectal junction: I Histological considerations. Cancer 1956;9:480–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Dukes CE, Galvin C. Colloid carcinoma arising within fistulae in the ano-rectal region. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 1956;18: 246–61.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Ewing J Neoplastic diseases; a treatise on tumors. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1940.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Bowers RF, Young JM. Carcinoma arising in scars, osteomyelitis, and fistulae. Arch Surg 1960;80:564–70.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. McAnally AK, Dockerty MB, Carcinoma developing in chronic draining cutaneous sinuses and fistulas. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1949;88:87–96.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Futrell JW, Pories WJ. Physiologic and immunologic considerations of the lymphatic system in tumors and transplants. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1975;140:273–92.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Futrell JW, Myers GH Jr. The burn scar as an “immunologically privileged site”, Surg Forum 1972;23:129–31.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Prioleau PG, Allen MS Jr Roberts T. Perianal mucinous adenocarcinoma. Cancer 1977;39:1295–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Rundle FF, Hales IB. Mucoid carcinoma supervening on fistula-in-ano, its surgical pathology and treatment. Ann Surg 1953;137:215–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

About this article

Cite this article

Getz, S.B., Ough, Y.D., Patterson, R.B. et al. Mucinous adenocarcinoma developing in chronic anal fistula: Report of two cases and review of the literature. Dis Colon Rectum 24, 562–566 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02604325

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02604325

Key words

Navigation