OCCASIONALLY on digital examination of the rectum one finds a submucosal nodule. Jackman and Buie1 have emphasized the importance of this and recommend biopsy to prove the type of lesion. Recently, we encountered a submucosal tumor of the rectum which proved to be a leiomyosarcoma. Because of the extreme rarity of such tumors, the following case report is deemed worthy.
REPORT OF A CASE
The patient was a 45-year-old woman who consulted us because of a recurrence of a smooth-muscle tumor of the rectum. Two years previously she was seen by her physician, complaining of rectal bleeding and pain following defecation. Examination disclosed a submucosal tumor on the anterior rectal wall, without ulceration of the mucosa. Through the anal canal, local excision was carried out, Jan. 23, 1950.The mass recurred, however, and was again excised, in September, 1951. When we saw the patient in May, 1952, there was