J Korean Soc Radiol.  2015 May;72(5):358-363. 10.3348/jksr.2015.72.5.358.

Isolated Colonic Schwannoma in the Ascending Colon: A Case Report and Literature Review of Schwannomas in the Large Intestine

• Nam IC
• Lee Y
• Kim SH
• Yoon JH
• Baek HJ
• Lee KH
• Nam KH

• KMID: 1793894
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2015.72.5.358

Abstract

Schwannomas are benign mesenchymal spindle cell tumors arising from the Schwann cells that form the peripheral neural sheath. Several recent studies indicate that although reports of gastrointestinal schwannomas have increased with advanced technological developments in immunohistochemical staining, isolated colonic schwannomas are extremely rare. Moreover, it is known to be somewhat difficult to diagnose colonic schwannoma before surgical operation. In this paper, we report a case of isolated schwannoma that was incidentally discovered in the ascending colon, along with a review of few recent literatures.

MeSH Terms

Colon*
Colon, Ascending*
Intestine, Large*
Neurilemmoma*
Schwann Cells

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A colonoscopy reveals an intraluminal round submucosal tumor, which is measured approximately 4 cm in diameter, in the ascending colon.

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  Fig. 2 Pre-contrast (A) and contrast enhanced axial (B) and coronal (C) CT scan demonstrates a lobulating contoured mass (arrow) in the ascending colon. On pre-contrast axial CT scan (A), there is no calcification or cystic component. Enhanced axial (B) and coronal reformated (C) CT images show homogeneous enhancement of the mass and intact overlying mucosa (arrowheads).

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  Fig. 3 Gross examination of the ascending colon revealed a yellowish gray fungating mass measuring 4.1 × 3.4 cm.

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  Fig. 4 Photomicrography demonstrates proliferation of plump spindle cells with occasional fascicular pattern, lacking significant nuclear atypia (hematoxylin and eosin, × 100).

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  Fig. 5 Immunohistochemical staining for S-100 protein is diffuse and strong (× 100).

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