Uncommon Pelvic Tumors

[Author Photo]Management of pelvic pathology in large part defines the practice and expertise of colon and rectal surgeons. Recognition and management of uncommon pelvic and perineal tumors greatly contribute to this recognized expertise. In this edition of Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery we have attempted to create a compilation of unusual pathology that might be encountered by surgeons specializing in the treatment of pelvic and perineal tumors.

To begin with, Dr. Alan Thorson from Creighton University discusses the preoperative evaluation of these uncommon tumors. Then, Drs. Moore and Guillem of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center present us with a well-written and informative article detailing our understanding of anal adenocarcinoma excluding those cancers of low rectal origin. Drs. Nguyen and Beck of the Ochsner Clinic Foundation discuss anal canal cancers of epidermoid and transitional epithelial origin and their combined modality treatment. This is followed by Drs. Mutch and Roberts of the Lahey Clinic presenting the current state of our knowledge concerning anal and perianal melanoma. Dr. Beck and I then discuss the anal margin lesions of Bowen's and Paget's disease. Dr. Ludwig of Duke University Medical Center and Dr. Reynolds of Case Western Reserve University give us a thorough and enlightening report concerning often-discussed retrorectal tumors. Lastly, Dr. Whitlow, also of the Ochsner Clinic Foundation, contributes a presentation of miscellaneous conditions such as carcinoids, hemangiopericytomas, and leukemic infiltrates. We had hoped to present an article discussing sarcomas and the recently characterized gastrointestinal stromal tumors but it unfortunately failed to materialize.

I have thoroughly enjoyed compiling this review and would like to thank my dedicated fellow contributors. I hope you find it informative and helpful in your practice.