Anorectal disease in patients with non-haematological malignancy

A frequent and previously uncharacterised association of anorectal inflammatory disease in seven of twenty-two patients undergoing therapy for nonhaematological malignancy is described. Sepsis and secondary pulmonary infection were distant complications of the anorectal lesions. The degree of granulocytopenia induced by chemotherapy appears to be the major predisposing factor. Management includes early surgical intervention, and preventive measures specific for this patient population.