Inflammatory cloacogenic polyp mimicking anorectal malignancy

Inflammatory cloacogenic polyp is a rare condition arising from the transit ional zone of the anorectal junction. It is benign but may macroscopically resemble anorectal malignancy. Inflammatory cloacogenic polyp was diagnosed in two patients with rectal bleeding and polypoid growths at the anorectal junction. The lesions were best visualized with an endoscope retroflexed i n the rectum. Accurate diagnosis was dependent on histological examination. The histological similarities to solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and other mucosal prolapse conditions are discussed, and the literature on inflammato ry cloacogenic polyp and its management reviewed. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepat ol 12:247-250 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.