| Topic: | digestive diseases (dd) |
| Title: | Suspected Asymptomatic Large Colon Lipoma: Biopsy?. |
| Author: | Manchikalapati, P.; Levey, J. |
| Source: | Practical Gastroenterology. 32(3): 35-40. March 2008. |
| Abstract: | This article presents a case report of a suspected large colon lipoma. The authors note that lipomas are the second most common benign tumors of the colon, after adenomatous polyps. When symptomatic, colon lipomas present with abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and changes in bowel habits. The authors report the case of a 59-year-old female with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia who underwent a routine colonoscopy that showed a 3.5-centimeter lipomatous-appearing polyp in the sigmoid colon. Referral to the gastroenterology clinic resulted in no further treatment until 1 year later when repeat colonoscopy showed the same sized mass. The mass was biopsied and histopathology revealed smooth muscle prominence and fibrovascular tissue. One week later, the patient presented with bright red blood per rectal and mild, crampy abdominal pain; flexible sigmoidoscopy showed a completely obstructing purplish mass in the sigmoid colon with an overlying clot. A computerized tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed a pendunculated soft tissue density consistent with lipoma and a 2.9-centimeter mass in the lumen of the sigmoid colon consistent with hematoma. Conservative management resulted in spontaneous resolution of the bleeding and no symptoms at 1-year follow-up. The authors conclude by reminding readers of the characteristic features of lipoma and by cautioning that biopsy can result in no additional diagnostic hints and may even cause complications such as bleeding or obstruction. 5 figures. 14 references. |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English. |
| Major Keywords: | Digestive System Diseases. Neoplasms. Colon. Colonoscopy. Biopsy. Complications. Diagnostic Tests. |
| Minor Keywords: | Case Reports. Symptoms. Histology. Pathology. Patient Care Management. Obstruction. Iatrogenic Diseases. |
| Publication Number: | DDJA13202 |
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