A case of chordoma in association with rectal carcinoma

A 74-year-old male patient presented with anal and sacral pain 18 months af ter abdomino-perineal resection for rectal cancer. Computerized tomography (CT) of the pelvis demonstrated a well defined mass anterior to the lower s acrum, posteriorly infiltrating and destroying the fourth and fifth sacral nerves and invading the right gluteal fossa. A 7.5 X 15 X 2 cm encapsulated mass was demonstrated during the operation using a posterior approach and the lower sacral segments together with the tumour were removed by amputati on at S3 level. Histopathology revealed chordoma. This case is unique becau se of the rarity of chordoma in association with rectal tumour at the sacro coccygeal region.