A Rare Presentation of Juvenile Rectal Polyps in an Adolescent Male With Rectal Bleeding: A Case Report

TL;DR

A 13-year-old boy with rectal bleeding and a prolapsed mass was diagnosed with rare juvenile rectal polyps after initial misdiagnosis.

Contribution

Highlights a rare case of juvenile rectal polyps in an adolescent with unusual histopathological features.

Findings

The patient had multiple large juvenile rectal polyps with torsion and mucin extravasation.

Initial misdiagnosis as hemorrhoids delayed proper treatment.

Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis and guided surgical intervention.

Abstract

Juvenile rectal polyps are hamartomatous growths commonly occurring in the colon and rectum, characterized by cystic dilation of glandular structures within the lamina propria. They are typically under 10 years of age, but may also be seen in adolescents. This case report describes a 13-year-old boy with a five-year history of difficulty in defecation, intermittent rectal bleeding that progressively worsened over the past year, along with abdominal pain and prolapse of a rectal mass. Initial evaluations by multiple clinicians misdiagnosed the condition as hemorrhoids, delaying the correct diagnosis. Colonoscopy revealed multiple large polyps in the lower rectoanal region. Surgical excision was performed, and histopathological examination confirmed the presence of juvenile rectal (retention) polyps with unusual features, including torsion and mucin extravasation. This case underscores the importance of considering juvenile polyps in the differential diagnosis of rectal bleeding in pediatric patients and highlights the necessity for early and accurate diagnosis to prevent complications. Histopathological analysis plays a crucial role in guiding the management and ensuring appropriate treatment.

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