Small cell carcinoma in ulcerative colitis - new treatment option: a case report

BACKGROUND: The most common type of carcinoma associated with ulcerative colitis (UC) is adenocarcinoma. We present a case of primary rectal small cell carcinoma in a patient with a history of UC. METHODS: A 34-year-old male diagnosed with UC for 10 years was not consistent with the usual annual follow-up and presented with mucoid-bloody diarrhea. Colonoscopy revealed a rectal mass 2 cm distant from the anal verge. The patient underwent a total proctocolectomy with preservation of the anal sphincters, construction of an ileal reservoir, anastomosis of the reservoir to the anus (J configuration) and protective loop ileostomy. RESULTS: Histological examination showed undifferentiated small cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case of small cell carcinoma in a background of UC reported to be treated surgically and the patient and has no reccurence 18 months postoperatively.