Case report of multiple rectal neuroendocrine tumors in a context of ulcerative colitis

Introduction: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the rectum are rare, with an estimated incidence of 0.1% of all colorectal cancers. However, it is crucial to diagnose NET, particularly in patients with ulcerative colitis, who seem to have a higher risk of cancerization according to recent studies, given the aggressiveness and poor prognosis of these tumors.

Presentation of case: We report the case of a 54-year-old man who developed multiple rectal NETs (approximately 10), measuring 1-6 mm, only 2 years after a primary diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.

Discussion: In the literature, all reported cases of NETs present patients with a long history of several years of inflammatory bowel disease; however, very little literature exists on this subject. Herein, we discussed the outcomes and a literature review of the pathology, prognosis, and management of NETs.

Conclusion: Despite advances in research on rectal NETs, many aspects about the disease remain unclear, partly due to its rarity.