title: Rectal leiomyosarcoma: a rare and long-term complication of radiation therapy.
abstract: Leiomyosarcoma of the rectum can develop as a late complication in patients with a history of pelvic irradiation. We report the case of a patient who developed rectal leiomyosarcoma 13 years after receiving radiation for treatment of a stage 2 squamous cell cancer of the anus. This was detected on physical examination. Based on a discussion with the patient, we decided to manage conservatively. Overall, leiomyosarcomas constitute 5-12% of radiation-induced sarcomas. Rectal leiomyosarcoma is rare, accounting for 0.1-0.5% of all malignant tumours of the rectum. As radiation therapy plays a major role in the management of anal cancer, it is important that clinicians are aware of the possible development of radiation-induced sarcomas that may occur decades after initial management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology and Oncology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Solaiman
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Futuri
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology and Oncology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Kelsey
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Donohoe
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology and Oncology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Colette
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Spaccavento
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology and Oncology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Yudelman
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001005:Anus Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D007890:Leiomyosarcoma / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*