Primary adenocarcinoma of an anal gland with secondary perianal fistulas.

A case of primary mucinous (colloid) adenocarcinoma associated with multiple perianal fistulas and a supra-anal intergluteal abscess of a short duration is described. The origin of this tumor has been much debated. Some believe that the tumor occurs primarily in an anal duct or its glands with secondary fistula formation, whereas others claim that the tumor arises in a chronic fistulous tract. The present study substantiates the former concept on the basis of the mode of clinical presentation and the pathologic findings of a large tumor, without involvement of the anorectal mucosa. The residual anal ducts and glands were found in close relationship with the tumor.