Mucocele of the rectal stump: mucinous cystic neoplasm with low-grade dysplasia simulating low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm

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J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(2):139-146

Publication date (electronic) : 2025 February 26

doi : https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.12.27

Hasan Basri Aydin¹, Maria Faraz¹, A. David Chismark², Haiyan Qiu¹, Hwajeong Lee^,1

¹Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA

²Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA

Corresponding author Hwajeong Lee, MD, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical Center, 47 New Scotland Ave., MC81, Albany, NY 12208, USA Tel: +1-518-262-6254, Fax: +1-518-262-3663, E-mail: LeeH5@amc.edu

Received 2024 October 18; Revised 2024 December 23; Accepted 2024 December 27.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Despite the relative prevalence of appendiceal mucocele, colonic mucoceles are extremely rare, with only sixteen cases reported in the literature [1-14]. The term 'mucocele' in pathology literature is traditionally a clinical or gross descriptive term used to describe a dilated, mucin-filled bowel segment or tissue cavity, most commonly the appendix [15]. It does not correspond to any specific diagnosis but rather denotes the macroscopic appearance and presentation of a lesion. Pathologically, mucoceles can result from various underlying processes, and the type of epithelial lining or lack thereof plays a critical role in determining their nature. The term ‘mucinous neoplasm’ however, refers to a pathologic entity characterized by the presence of dysplastic or neoplastic mucin-producing epithelium [16]. For clarity, in this study, 'mucocele' is not used as a synonym for low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) but rather in its general descriptive sense, consistent with its gross presentation.

LAMN is a distinct diagnostic entity with well-defined histopathologic criteria and significant clinical implications. The presence of low-grade dysplastic mucinous epithelium in the appendix in an appropriate clinical and histological context supports the diagnosis of LAMN [17]. Even in cases where acellular mucin pools are present in the appendiceal stroma without identifiable residual epithelial lining, the lesion may be classified as LAMN, as dysplastic epithelium may no longer be visible in sampled sections following mucin extravasation and rupture [16,18].

To date, only one case, reported by Tanaka et al. in 2016 [10], described a distal rectal stump mucocele with low-grade epithelial dysplasia resembling LAMN. More recently, in 2024, Chen et al. [14] reported five cases of mucinous neoplasms originating in extra-appendiceal segments of the colon, reminiscent of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms. In their discussion, they proposed the term “extra-appendiceal mucinous neoplasm” for such lesions. Three of the five cases grossly presented as mucoceles, similar in clinical context and pathologic findings to previously reported colorectal mucoceles, and are therefore included in our analysis. To the best of our knowledge, our case of a mucocele with dysplasia arising in a rectal stump represents the second reported instance. These cases collectively suggest a potential link between longstanding mucin stasis, mucocele formation, and neoplastic progression.

CASE REPORT

A 44-year-old male who was born with imperforate anus with subsequent pull-through procedure underwent proctectomy with end-colostomy at age 12 due to poor anorectal function. Throughout his childhood, he suffered from draining sinuses from the perineum, which were ablated each time. His symptoms eventually dissipated in his 20s and he remained asymptomatic for the next 20 years. Recently he presented with a complaint of intractable lower back pain radiating down to his left leg. On initial presentation, he also had acute kidney injury (AKI) with a creatinine level of 13.0 g/dL (reference, <1.0 g/dL). An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a large cystic mass in the pelvis causing obstructive uropathy with bilateral hydroureteronephrosis as well as compressive neuropathy, leading to lower back pain (Fig. 1). Bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy tubes were placed to address obstructive uropathy. This led to improvement of AKI and creatinine level trended down to 4.78 g/dL. Eventually, the pelvic mass was resected and sent to pathology. Other than severe intraabdominal adhesions, no implants, nodules, mucin, or other lesion were noted in the abdominopelvic cavity by the surgery team. The operative note did not specify the exact origin of the mass or any direct anatomical connection to a bowel segment. The resected mass appeared intact without any surface disruptions, excrescences or mucin, and measured 17.5 × 10.7 × 4.5 cm. Sectioning of the mass revealed a multiloculated cyst containing amorphous, tan and gelatinous material.

Fig. 1.

Abdominal computed tomography scan demonstrating a large, multiloculated cystic mass within the pelvis (coronal [A] and sagittal [B] planes respectively).

Sections revealed a cystic structure that was largely denuded but partially lined by attenuated anorectal-type mucosa, consisting of both colorectal glandular and anorectal transitional-type epithelium (Fig. 2). Notably, focal areas of low-grade dysplasia were identified. Pools of acellular mucin were observed dissecting into the stromal tissues, accompanied by degenerative changes such as calcifications and fibrosis (Fig. 3). Importantly, there was no evidence of high-grade dysplasia, invasive carcinoma, or metastasis.

Fig. 2.

Scanning view of the lumen lined by attenuated colorectal type mucosa (A), denuded area (B), colorectal mucosa (C), and anorectal transitional type mucosa (D).

Fig. 3.

(A) Scanning view of the lumen lined by attenuated colorectal type mucosa. (B) High-power view showing low-grade dysplasia. (C) Acellular mucin pools dissecting stroma. (D) Mucin pools with degenerative calcifications.

The findings were reminiscent of a LAMN as defined by the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI), by fulfilling five of the six criteria, namely low-grade cytologic atypia (dysplastic mucin-producing epithelium), loss of the lamina propria and muscularis mucosae consistent with pressure-related atrophy and fibrosis, fibrosis of the submucosa, non-infiltrative pushing growth pattern without destructive stromal invasion and mucin dissection into the wall without evidence of extra-cystic mucin or peritoneal spread [17].

Given the absence of high-grade features, invasive carcinoma, or extra-cystic mucin/neoplastic cells, a descriptive diagnosis, mucinous cystic neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential, was rendered. The patient has been followed for 16 months without evidence of recurrence or peritoneal disease.

DISCUSSION

Mucoceles are most commonly encountered in the appendix within the luminal gastrointestinal tract. They are rarely symptomatic and rather incidentally found during clinical care for other conditions. They constitute less than 1% of appendectomies [19]. However, their malignant potential is well recognized. Therefore, incidental identification of any dysplastic epithelium in an appendectomy usually prompts additional examination of the specimen. Cases of LAMN typically lack infiltrative growth pattern, destructive invasion, stromal desmoplastic reaction, or distant metastasis [20]. Nevertheless, if left untreated or incompletely excised, they can grow further and eventually rupture at weaker points of the appendiceal wall and result in mucin and dysplastic epithelium spreading within the abdominopelvic cavity, termed pseudomyxoma peritonei [21]. Despite the relative prevalence of appendiceal mucocele, colonic mucocele including colonic mucinous neoplasm similar to LAMN is exceedingly rare, with only seventeen cases including the present case [1-14] summarized in Table 1.

Table 1.

Summary of seventeen cases of colonic mucoceles in the literature including the present case (1974–2024)

In brief, the mean age of the patients was 58 (range 12 to 92) years with female predominance (12 out of 17). Most patients had a complex surgical history including colostomy, endorectal pull-through, Hartmann’s procedure, total colectomy, total hysterectomy, and hemorrhoidectomy. A number of patients had colonic diverticulosis and ended up developing mucoceles in a diverticulum [9,14]. The presentation commonly involved large mucoceles, often distending the rectum or pelvic area, some causing compressive symptoms similar to our case. Typically, the unused bowel segment such as the pouch or diverticulum where the fecal stream is not present was the predilection site for mucin accumulation, similar to the present case. Histologic findings varied, with most cases showing nondysplastic benign epithelium, while five cases exhibited dysplastic changes similar to LAMN [9,10,14]. Another case (2014) displayed conventional colonic villous adenoma within the mucocele [8]. None of the cases showed invasive malignancy. Follow-up durations ranged from 13 days to 3 years, and no recurrence or malignant transformation were reported.

Taken together, chronic luminal stasis and resultant increased intraluminal pressure and impaired anal drainage associated with complex surgical history appear to contribute to mucocele development in the unused segment of colon [8]. The prolonged stasis within the surgically altered bowel segment creates an environment conducive to mucin accumulation. This mechanism is analogous to that observed in appendiceal mucoceles, where luminal obstruction and stasis are key factors [22]. Appendix is more prone to luminal obstruction, due to blind-ended anatomy and narrower lumen, explaining the relatively high incidence of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms [22]. Likewise, postoperative intraabdominal adhesions can be another contributing factor as they can restrict luminal diameter, potentiate intraluminal pressure buildup, and impair drainage [13]. Extensive intraabdominal adhesions were noted in our case as well.

Histopathologically, our case exhibited features akin to LAMN, including epithelium with low-grade dysplasia and acellular mucin pools dissecting stromal tissues with degenerative features. Our and previous observations underscore the potential for neoplastic transformation in colonic mucoceles. However, dysplastic epithelium was observed in seven out of 17 (to include our current case) cases. Therefore, it is likely that mucoceles arise as passive processes in patients with complex surgical history, with neoplasia developing as a secondary event in a subset, possibly in those with genetic predisposition.

Given its rarity, there is currently no consensus or published guidelines on the management of colonic mucocele. Since the malignant potential of the appendiceal counterpart is well-documented, complete surgical resection might be appropriate. However, as the malignant potential of colonic mucoceles in general and those with dysplasia in particular, is unknown, vigilant long-term follow-up and monitoring for recurrence or progression to malignancy may be also justified. Further case documentation is needed to better understand the behavior and long-term outcomes of colonic mucoceles, particularly those with dysplastic changes.

Our study has several limitations that warrant acknowledgment. First, a gross photograph of the cystic mass from our case is unavailable. Second, in our effort to curate and summarize previously reported cases of colonic mucoceles, we encountered incomplete reporting in some of the cases, limiting our ability to perform a uniform comparison. This also highlights the need for more standardized reporting of such rare cases in the literature. Thirdly, we acknowledge that certain reported cases reflect dilated, mucin-filled segments of bowel secondary to outlet obstruction rather than true neoplastic or cystic lesions. These cases would appropriately fall under the category of “retention cysts” in a broader sense.

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