J Korean Soc Radiol.  2011 Sep;65(3):275-284.

Unusual Primary Subepithelial Tumors of the Colon: Multimodality Imaging Findings with Endoscopic and Pathologic Correlation

• Oh JY
• Kwon HJ
• Cho JH
• Ha DH
• Nam KJ
• Kang EJ
• Lee JH
• Kim S

Abstract

The colonoscopy has been used to diagnose various colonic lesions. However, this method has its limitations in diagnosing and differentiating subepithelial tumors. For this reason, the role of cross-sectional radiologic imaging is important for the diagnosis of colonic subepithelial tumors. Moreover, although these tumors are associated with a wide range of radiologic features, they may have unique radiologic features that suggest a specific diagnosis. Hemangiomas typically show transmural colonic wall thickening with phleboliths in intramural or extracolic areas. Colonic lymphangiomas manifest as a multilocular cystic mass at CT and sonography. Colonic lipomas are well demonstrated by CT because the masses were present with characteristic fatty density. Schwannomas usually appear as well circumscribed, homogeneous masses with low attenuation at CT. The primary form of colonic lymphoma has a wide variety of radiologic types, including a polypoid mass, circumferential mural mass, and a cavitary mass. Small gastrointestinal stromal tumors are usually homogeneous, whereas larger tumors tend to have a heterogeneous appearance with central necrosis at contrast-enhanced CT scans. Neuroendocrine tumors of the colon are most frequently observed in the rectum and are typically small incidental lesions. Familiarity with these imaging features can help distinguish particular disease entities.

MeSH Terms

Colon
Colonoscopy
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Hemangioma
Lipoma
Lymphangioma
Lymphoma
Necrosis
Neurilemmoma
Neuroendocrine Tumors
Recognition (Psychology)
Rectum