title: Soft tissue tumors of the anorectum: rare, complex and misunderstood.
abstract: Anorectal soft tissue tumors are uncommon and often present both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Although many of these tumors are identified with imaging performed for unrelated reasons, most present with nonspecific symptoms that can lead to a delay in diagnosis. Historically, radical surgery (abdominoperineal resection) has been the mainstay of treatment for both benign and malignant anorectal soft tissue tumors. However, a lack of proven benefit in benign disease along with changes in technology has called this practice into question. In addition, the role of radiation and/or chemotherapy remains controversial. In this manuscript, we review the history and current status of anorectal soft tissue tumor management, with a particular focus on challenges in optimizing survival.
authors: Division of Experimental Surgery, McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke Street West Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2T5; ; Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80205, Zip Code 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia;
authors: Mohammed O
authors: MO
authors: Nassif
authors: Nora H
authors: NH
authors: Trabulsi
authors: Kelli M
authors: KM
authors: Bullard Dunn
authors: Ayoub
authors: A
authors: Nahal
authors: Ari-Nareg
authors: AN
authors: Meguerditchian
keywords: Soft tissue neoplasms; anus; rectum; sarcoma; surgery