Submucosal tumors of the colon: experience with twenty-five cases.

Submucosal tumors of the colon are rare and require alertness on the part of the physician for early diagnosis. These tumors may not cause symptoms before attaining large size. In most cases the clinical histories are atypical. Because of the possibility of malignancy, adequate diagnosis and treatment are necessary. This report deals with 25 cases of submucosal tumors of the colon. The tumor series included seven leiomyomas, one granular-cell myoblastoma, two leiomyosarcomas, seven carcinoid tumors, six lipomas, one lymphangioma, and one neurofibroma. Five of the tumors were asymptomatic. The endoscopic appearances of the tumors, although not diagnostic, may give some indications as to their natures. Endoscopic removal is possible, although it is indicated for high-risk patients only. Because submucosal tumors may be malignant, and because differentiation from secondary tumors (metastases) or tumor-like lesions is difficult without histologic examination, complete removal of the tumor is the treatment of choice.