This patient was referred for a flexible sigmoidoscopy because of PR bleeding. However, the only abnormality found was a sore anal canal. Samples are taken of course.
HOW WOULD YOU NOW ADVICE THE PATIENT?
■ We'll see you in clinic once histology is to hand
But there is a degree of urgency here!
■ Symptoms may improve with 'anusol'
No they will not!
■ We will try topical mononitrate first
You are barking up the wrong tree!
■ We will organise a scan next
Yes, a rectal MRI revealed something important!
■ Inject 80mg of triamcolonone
You are missing the point!
explanation
Actually, this isn't a case of haemorrhoids or an anal fissure. Histology reported; " Within hyperkeratotic epidermis there are scattered individual highly atypical infiltrating malignant cells with frequent apoptosis and moderate clear cytoplasm. There is no ulceration or significant inflammation."
Actually, this is a case of Perianal Paget's disease, - a VERY rare condition!!! You'll remember that a 'puckering' of the skin around the breast areola is associated with underlying breast cancer. This was first reported by Sir James Paget in 1874. However, a few years later, the same phenomenon was described elsewhere, so called "extramammary Paget's disease". In descending order of frequency, this has been described at; the skin of the vulva, perineal skin, perianal skin and the skin of the scrotum. Paget's disease, is usually NOT a primary cancer of the apocrine glands of the skin. It's almost always secondary to a nearby cancer of the rectum, anus or prostate. In this particular case, further imaging revealed a nearby prostate cancer! ! |
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