Atypical tumors of the rectum with pathologic correlation

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Rectal bleeding is a common symptom, often attributed to adenocarcinoma.
• A spectrum of rare neoplastic processes can also cause rectal bleeding.
• Accurate diagnosis of these rare lesions is essential for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical, imaging, and histopathologic features of rare rectal neoplasms.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing these entities for differential diagnosis.
• To improve diagnostic accuracy and guide patient management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of pathologically proven rectal lesions.
• Synthesis of clinical presentation, imaging findings, and histopathology.
• Focus on specific rare neoplastic entities.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of rectal carcinoid, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, cavernous hemangioma, primary anorectal melanoma, primary rectal lymphoma, and rectal metastases.
• Highlighting the diverse and sometimes non-specific imaging characteristics.
• Emphasis on distinguishing these from more common rectal pathologies.

Conclusions:

• Rare rectal neoplasms present with varied clinical and imaging findings.
• Awareness of these entities is critical for clinicians and radiologists.
• Timely and accurate diagnosis impacts treatment strategies and patient outcomes.