Surgical outlook regarding leiomyoma of the rectum. Report of three cases.

The authors report experience with three patients with leiomyomas of the rectum between the years 1979 and 1987. Since Malassez's first description in 1872, approximately 200 cases have been reported. The diagnosis of these rare tumors is difficult. The authors present the ultrasonic characteristics of rectal leiomyoma by means of endorectal ultrasound, a method which, although not definitive, does delimit and orient the diagnosis in regard to the rectal mass and the follow-up of these tumors. A histologic diagnosis constitutes a dilemma between benign and malignant forms. The authors believe that treatment should always be surgical, realizing local extirpation when the histologic study reveals no signs of malignancy; even though it is mandatory to perform regular follow-up checkups (mainly with endorectal ultrasound) and radical treatment in regard to malignant lesions and local relapse of the anterior forms.