Leiomyoma of the rectum

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Rectal leiomyoma is an uncommon gastrointestinal tumor.
• Previous reports in Japan documented 77 cases before 1984.

Observation:

• A study compiled clinical data, including two recent cases of rectal leiomyoma.
• The patient cohort predominantly consisted of individuals in their 50s and 60s (mean age 53.6 years).
• The male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1.

Findings:

• Common presenting symptoms included anal bleeding, melena, cylindrical stools, and constipation due to rectal stenosis.
• Tumors were frequently located within 8 cm of the anal verge (87% of cases).
• Surgery is the primary treatment; local excision is recommended for small lesions (<2 cm).

Implications:

• Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing rectal leiomyoma.
• Recurrence was observed in five patients, highlighting the need for long-term follow-up.
• Distinguishing benign from malignant leiomyoma remains challenging, but size is a key factor in treatment selection.