title: Adenocarcinoma in a retrorectal cystic hamartoma: a case report and literature review.
abstract: Retrorectal cystic hamartomas are rare congenital lesions derived from the vestigial portion of the embryonic hindgut. These lesions present in a vague manner and so mimic the presentation of more common mass lesions in the pelvic region. They most frequently afflict middle-aged women, causing vague pelvic pains, discomfort with defaecation or sitting, and altered bowel function. Malignant transformation within these lesions is extremely rare. We describe a case of adenocarcinoma within a retrorectal cystic hamartoma, initially manifesting in a 54-year-old woman and recurring over a'5-year period. A computed tomography (CT) scan and pathology reports are included in the study, and findings at operations are discussed. We also include a comprehensive review of the literature.
authors: Department of Surgery, Frere Hospital, East London, Eastern Cape.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Rogers
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Simpson
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Atherstone
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003537:Cystadenoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006222:Hamartoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery