Plasmoblastic lymphoma as cause of perianal fistula: a case report and literature review

Beyond squamous cell carcinoma: MRI appearance of uncommon anal neoplasms and mimickers

Anal cancer is an uncommon malignancy. In addition to squamous cell carcinoma, there are a variety of other less common malignancies and benign pathologies that may afflict the anal canal, with which abdominal radiologists should be familiar. Abdominal radiologists should be familiar with the imaging features that can help distinguish different rare anal tumors beyond squamous cell carcinoma and that can aid in diagnosis therefore help steer management. This review discusses these uncommon pathologies with a focus on their imaging appearance, management, and prognosis.

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma within an anal fistula: a case report with an intriguing possible aetiology

Described is a case of diffuse large B cell lymphoma that presented within a typical fistula tract, possibly secondary to oxidative stress within the fistula tract itself and consequent malignant change rather than a fistula as a consequence of necrosis in a lymphoma. If so it would be unique in the world literature. A 42-year-old fitness instructor presented with a typical appearing left lateral anal fistula. Biopsy of the fistulous tract revealed B cell lymphoma, graded 1E. Although chemotherapy cured the lymphoma, surgical treatment by ligation of the inter-sphincteric fistula tract was required to heal the fistula. At 3-year follow-up, there has been no recurrence of the lymphoma or the fistula. Neoplasia arising secondary to oxidative stress within an anal fistula is a well-established phenomenon. Early diagnosis of rare conditions associated with anal fistula can only be accomplished by routine biopsy of every fistula tract.