Article
Lipoma of the Colon With Intussusception
Abstract
Lipomas, while uncommon, are the second most common benign tumor of the colon after adenomas. They are usually located in the cecum or ascending colon of older individuals, but may be seen (in order of decreasing frequency) in the transverse, descending, or sigmoid colon. The vast majority of lipomas are submucosal. A few arise from the serosa. They commonly have a short, broad pseudopedicle caused by the pull of the colonic motor activity. This tumor does not usually become symptomatic until it leads to episodic intussusception. Abdominal pain is usually the presenting symptom. Repeated intussusceptions eventually produce ulceration of the mucosa. Blood then appears in the stools. Unfortunately the correct diagnosis is seldom arrived at before operation, leading to more or less extensive colectomies for suspected adenocarcinoma. Lipomas can be removed by simple colotomy or by myotomy and enucleation. Attempts to identify this entity preoperatively are therfore not a vain exercise.This content is limited to qualifying members.
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