Perianal adenocarcinomas. Report of 4 cases and review of literature.

We report four cases of perianaI adenocarcinoma and stress certain aspects: the precise definition of the criteria for identifying the origin of an adenocarcinoma from a previous perianal fistula or from the anal glands and ducts; the possible origin of a perianal adenocarcinoma from multicentric neoplastic foci, synchronous or metachronous, arising from structures deriving from the cloaca; and confirmation that abdominoperineal resection is the treatment of choice for these neoplasms. We also point out the rewarding results of adjuvant radiochemotherapy.