Managing Uncommon Rectal Tumors

Abstract

Rectal adenocarcinoma is a relatively common malignancy and it is estimated that there will be 40,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States alone in 2017 [1]. Whilst adenocarcinoma is the most common malignancy of the rectum, other rectal tumors can occur including most commonly, carcinoid, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) sarcoma, and melanoma. The symptoms caused by these lesions are often initially attributed to a range of benign conditions such as hemorrhoids, so that it is not uncommon that these unusual cancers are often diagnosed in more advanced stages. This chapter reviews the presenting symptoms, diagnosis and treatment specifically of rectal carcinoid, GIST, sarcoma and melanoma and provides a brief literature review concerning the most up-to-date management regimens for each of these tumour types.