Small-cell carcinoma of the rectum. Clinicopathologic study

Three cases of small-cell carcinoma of the rectum are presented. Our conclusions are as follows: small-cell carcinoma and carcinoid tumor of the rectum might have a common origin; indications for surgical intervention for small-cell carcinoma of the rectum should be considered seriously; small-cell carcinoma of the rectum should be classified as an aggressive type of rectal tumor that metastasizes easily to distant organs.