[Perianal colloid adenocarcinoma. Apropos of a case]

A 50 year old man with a 5-year history of recurrent anal fistula was treated by abdominoperineal amputation of rectum for perianal colloid adenocarcinoma. Characters of this rare affection of debatable pathogenicity are described, based on a literature review of 82 similar cases. The findings illustrate the evocative nature of an induration or better still a mucoid discharge from a recurrent anal fistula, and the need for deep and repeated biopsies to establish diagnosis. Since the course remains for a long period at the local and regional levels the treatment of choice is abdomino-perineal amputation.