Article Sidebar
Article Details
Issue
Section
Articles
Material submitted for publication in the South African Medical Journal (SAMJ) is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. Copyright forms will be sent with acknowledgement of receipt and the SAMJ reserves copyright of the material published. The SAMJ does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors.
Main Article Content
Adenocarcinoma in a retrorectal cytstic hamartoma: A case report and literature review
Abstract
Retrorectal cystic hamartomas are rare congenital lesions derived from the vestigial portion of the embryonic hindgut. These lesions present in a vague manner and so mimic the presentation of more common mass lesions in the pelvic region. They most frequently afflict middle-aged women, causing vague pelvic pains, discomfort with defaecation or sitting, and altered bowel function. Malignant transformation within these lesions is extremely rare. We describe a case of adenocarcinoma within a retrorectal
cystic hamartoma, initially manifesting in a 54-year-old woman and recurring over a 5-year period. A computed tomography (CT) scan and pathology reports are included in
the study, and findings at operations are discussed. We also include a comprehensive review of the literature.
South African Journal of Surgery Vol. 45 (4) 2007: pp. 148-150
