Published online Apr 16, 2013. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v1.i1.49
Revised: January 29, 2013
Accepted: February 8, 2013
Published online: April 16, 2013
Schwannoma is a tumor originating from the Schwann cells. Gastrointestinal schwannomas are uncommon stromal tumors of the intestinal tract and, in particular, rectal schwannomas are extremely rare. In fact, it is well established that schwannomas appear more frequently in the stomach and in the small intestine, while location in the colon or in the rectum is uncommon. Reading the literature, only few cases of rectal schwannoma have been reported. Their diagnosis is confirmed by the immunohistochemical panel (S-100 protein). When these tumors are located in the colon and in the rectum, radical excision with wide margins is mandatory, due to their tendency to recur locally or become malignant, if left untreated. In the present study, we describe a case of a rectal schwannoma occured in a 72-year-old man, presented as a small polypoid lesion, which was successfully removed in toto by hot-biopsy, during the same endoscopy, due to the dimensons. No recurrence of the lesion was observed after 6 mo of follow-up.
Core tip: Schwannomas of the colon and rectum are tumors that are rarely detected. For achieving a definitive histopathological diagnosis, the use of an appropriate immunohistochemical panel is request. Although schwannomas are considered to be benign tumors, their risks of recurrence must be not ignored. The best therapeutic option is complete surgical removal. In the present study, we describe a case of a rectal schwannoma occured in a 72-year-old man, presented as a small sessile polypoid lesion, which was successfully removed in toto by hot-biopsy, during the same procedure. No recurrence of the lesion was observed after 6 mo of follow-up.