Perianal and anorectal complications in leukemia

Twenty‐two patients who, in the course of acute or chronic leukemia, developed perianal and anorectal complications are described. These lesions were indurated firm areas about the anal opening; fluctuant ischiorectal abscesses; fistulas with abscesses and induration around them; fissures with edematous sentinel piles and abscesses around them, and thrombosed ulcerated hemorrhoids. The combination of symptomatic and radiation therapy is the most effective means of controlling perianal complications in uncontrolled acute and chronic leukemia. The procedures and regimens using combined symptomatic and radiation therapy are defined. The timing of appropriate surgical intervention is discussed. The hazards of the injudicious use of any one of these modalities are described.