Colitis cystica profunda. Report of a case.

Colitis cystica profunda is a non-neoplastic condition characterized by intramural mucus-containing cysts of the colon and rectum. The cysts are in most cases located as polypoid masses 5 to 12 cm from the anal margin. The diameter of the cysts varies from less than 0.1 cm to 3 cm. Since this rarely recognized condition undoubtedly is a benign lesion, it is important to identify it from other colorectal tumours and ulcerative colitis. Extensive colorectal surgery should be avoided.