Perirectal infections in patients with small cell lung cancer

M. F. Earle, B. E. Fossieck Jr, M. H. Cohen, D. C. Ihde, P. A. Bunn Jr and J. D. Minna

Fifteen anorectal infections occurred in 6.4% of 188 intensively treated patients with small cell bronchogenic carcinoma. Granulocytopenia was present at onset in 13 episodes. In eight episodes, perirectal pain preceded any objective findings by two to 11 days. Ten infections resolved with recovery from granulocytopenia, but the five abscesses required incision. Septicemia accompanied four episodes; one patient died. Early recognition and therapy of this potentially fatal infection will become increasingly important as more patients with solid tumors receive intensive therapy.