Carcinoma of the prostate masquerading as rectal carcinoma. Report of 3 cases and review of the literature

We present 3 patients with prostatic tumours who presented with symptoms of rectal stenosis. In all 3 cases digital examination of the rectum revealed a mass suggestive of rectal carcinoma, but carcinoma of the prostate was suspected because of other clinical features and this was confirmed by biopsy. Treatment by hormonal manipulation resulted in a dramatic improvement in symptoms. The diagnostic and management difficulties associated with this unusual presentation of carcinoma of the prostate are described, together with a review of the literature.