Rectal cancer associated with schistosomiasis: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Rectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the West. The incidence in the developing countries is also increasing. There are various reasons for this escalation, including changes in dietary habits, particularly among urban dwellers, and parasitic infections. The risk of colorectal cancer is known to be increased in patients with long-standing schistosomal colitis. We present two male patients who had low rectal cancer (pT3N3M0, and pT3N2M0) for which they were treated with A-P resection and adjuvant chemoradiation. Histological examination of the specimen revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with extensive schistosomal colitis. The literature was reviewed. The relation between colorectal cancer and intestinal schistosomiasis should be considered as precancerous.