Considerations for Management of Hereditary Rectal Cancer and Desmoid Tumors

Hereditary colorectal cancer affects the rectum as well as the colon. Treatment strategies need to take into account the cancer risks posed by a retained rectum, and the threats to lifestyle caused by proctectomy. This chapter will discuss decision making in detail. Desmoid disease is a manifestation of the germline APC mutation that causes familial adenomatous polyposis. The relationship of desmoid disease to surgery in general and the rectum in particular will also be discussed.