A carcinoembryonic antigen-secreting adenocarcinoma arising within a retrorectal tailgut cyst: Clinicopathological considerations

Roderich E. Schwarz, Mark Lyda, Michael Lew, I. Benjamin Paz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

Retrorectal tailgut cysts (TGC) develop from postanal fetal gut remnants. They have specific radiological and histopathological features that distinguish them from dermoid cysts, enteric duplication cysts, and teratomas. We report a patient with a carcinoembryonic antigen-producing adenocarcinoma arising within a TGC who underwent resection through a combined anterior laparotomy/posterior pelvic approach. Despite complete resection and delayed but complete functional recovery, diffusely metastatic disease was encountered 6 months after resection. Diagnostic, therapeutic, histopathological, and oncological implications of this illustrative case are discussed. It seems possible to use carcinoembryonic antigen measurements for treatment planning and for assessing treatment response for this rare disease. The described outcome also suggests that TGC can develop malignant degeneration and should be resected at the time of diagnosis. (C) 2000 by Am. Coll. of Gastroenterology.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1344-1347
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume95
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2000

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A carcinoembryonic antigen-secreting adenocarcinoma arising within a retrorectal tailgut cyst: Clinicopathological considerations'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this