Colorectal haemangioma and its relationship to haemorrhoids in childhood.

A case of diffuse cavernous haemangioma of the rectum and sigmoid colon is presented to exemplify the propensity for this tumour to be misdiagnosed as haemorrhoids in the paediatric age group. In view of the prolonged morbidity and high mortality associated with this tumour we suggest that, in any child referred for management of haemorrhoids, a diagnosis of colorectal haemangioma be considered. Appropriate investigations include plain abdominopelvic X-rays, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy with biopsy, and barium enema. Selective inferior mesenteric angiography and computerized tomography may be helpful. Excision and coloanal sleeve anastomosis is the most favoured operative procedure for this tumour.