Ectopic salivary gland found on rectal biopsy-a rare pathological diagnosis

Heterotopic tissue can be found throughout the GI tract, most commonly being gastric tissue. The finding of ectopic salivary tissue located in the GI tract is an exceedingly rare finding. We present a case of an otherwise healthy 30-year-old male with rectal bleeding who underwent biopsy of a submucosal rectal lesion with pathologic findings of ectopic salivary gland tissue.

Our patient is a 30-year-old male who presented with rectal bleeding. During his workup, he underwent colonoscopy and subsequent endoscopic ultrasound after discovery of a submucosal mass in the rectum measuring approximately 2 × 1 cm. Biopsies were sent which returned showing ectopic salivary gland tissue superimposed on hyperplastic rectal mucosa. The patient's symptoms resolved and he has not had recurrence of bleeding.

Ectopic salivary gland tissue is a rare pathological finding in the rectum. It can present as a symptomatic lesion or be found incidentally. There is no clear reason for its presence, but it is felt to be due to metaplasia, developmental anomalies, or idiopathic in nature. Treatment includes excision and monitoring.