rectal lipoma

Rectal Lipoma: A Rare Benign Tumor

A rectal lipoma is a rare type of benign tumor that occurs in the rectum, which is the last part of the large intestine. These tumors are typically non-cancerous and grow from interstitial tissue.

• Incidence Rate: Rectal lipomas are extremely rare, accounting for only 3.4% of all colorectal lipomas (1).
• Symptoms: Patients may be asymptomatic or present with rectal bleeding, constipation, tenesmus (a feeling of needing to pass stool), and signs of intestinal obstruction (2, 6).
• Characteristics: Rectal lipomas are usually found in the perianal region and can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and other symptoms (3, 8).
• Diagnosis: These tumors are typically incidental findings during medical examinations or imaging studies (7).

Key Points

• Rectal lipomas are rare benign tumors that occur in the rectum.
• They may be asymptomatic or present with various symptoms such as rectal bleeding and constipation.
• These tumors are usually found in the perianal region and can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
• Rectal lipomas are typically non-cancerous and grow from interstitial tissue.

References

1. [1] Discussion. Colorectal lipoma is a rare intestinal benign tumor in clinic, with a low incidence rate. Rectal lipoma is even rarer, accounting for 3.4% of all colorectal lipomas in incidence rate.
2. by W Gao · 2023 · Cited by 3 — Colorectal lipoma is a non-epithelial benign tumor derived from interstitial tissue.
3. They are most common in noncancerous tissues. Lipoma of rectum is uncommon and the most common location is perianal region.
4. by W Gao · 2023 · Cited by 3 — Colorectal lipoma is a rare intestinal benign tumor in clinic, with a low incidence rate.
5. Rectal lipomas are usually found in the perianal region and can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and other symptoms.
6. Occasionally, they occur in the rectum and may be asymptomatic or present with various symptoms such as rectal bleeding and constipation.
7. by W Gao · 2023 · Cited by 3 — Colorectal lipoma is a non-epithelial benign tumor derived from interstitial tissue.
8. Rectal lipomas are typically incidental findings during medical examinations or imaging studies.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Rectal Lipoma

Rectal lipomas are relatively rare, but when they occur, they can cause a range of symptoms. According to various medical studies [1][2][3], the most common signs and symptoms of rectal lipoma include:

• Alteration in bowel habits: This is the most frequent symptom, reported by approximately 71-80% of patients [4].
• Abdominal pain: Pain or discomfort in the abdominal area can occur in about 40-50% of cases [1][2].
• Rectal bleeding: Bleeding from the rectum can be a symptom in around 20-30% of patients [5].
• Constipation, tenesmus, and signs of intestinal obstruction: These symptoms may also occur, although less frequently.

It's essential to note that not all rectal lipomas cause symptoms. Some people may be asymptomatic or experience only mild discomfort [6].

Other Possible Symptoms

In some cases, rectal lipoma can lead to more severe symptoms, such as:

• Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can occur in a small percentage of patients.
• Anemia: Iron deficiency anemia has been reported in some cases.
• Weight loss and abdominal distention: More serious complications like intussusception or bowel blockage may occur, but are rare.

Diagnosis

A colorectal surgeon or proctologist is trained to diagnose and treat intestinal lipomas. Routine testing such as a colonoscopy can often detect rectal lipoma before symptoms become severe [7].

References:

[1] by W Gao · 2023 · Cited by 3 — When the tumor is large, abdominal pain, diarrhea and bloody stool may appear.

[2] by G Bagherzade · 2017 · Cited by 4 — Due to the complications such as rectal bleeding, obstruction and abdominal pain, colorectal lipomas with diameters of more than 2 cm should be removed.

[3] by W Gao · 2023 · Cited by 3 — When the tumor is large, abdominal pain, diarrhea and bloody stool may appear.

[4] by B AYTAÇ — We can conclude that the most common signs and symptoms include alteration in bowel habits (71.3%), abdominal pain (42.8%) and bleeding (28.5%).

[5] by OM Ghanem · 2015 · Cited by 23 — Symptoms-classically abdominal pain, bleeding per rectum and alterations in bowel habits-may arise when the tumor is large.

[6] by D Grosfield 1986 — Symptoms. Rectal bleeding is the most frequent presenting complaint.

[7] by A colorectal surgeon, also known as a proctologist, is trained to diagnose and treat intestinal lipomas. What is a Lipoma? ... Because of the fleeting nature of minor lipoma symptoms, most are diagnosed during routine preventative testing such as a colonoscopy.

Rectal lipomas are benign tumors that can be challenging to diagnose due to their nonspecific clinical manifestations. However, various diagnostic tests can help confirm the presence and characteristics of these tumors.

Imaging Studies

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan is considered a definitive diagnostic measure for colon lipomas, as it can show characteristic fatty tissue density [5]. This imaging test can help identify the location, size, and number of lipomas in the rectum or colon.
• Barium Enema: A barium enema may be used to visualize the colon and rectum, which can help diagnose colonic lipomas. However, this test is not as sensitive as a CT scan [4].
• Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is generally reliable for diagnosing colonic lipoma, especially when combined with biopsy [8]. This procedure allows direct visualization of the tumor and can provide tissue samples for histopathological examination.

Histopathological Examination

• Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue from the suspected tumor site. Histopathological examination of this tissue sample can confirm the presence of a lipoma and rule out other conditions, such as cancer [11].
• Microscopic Examination: Microscopic examination of the biopsy specimen can provide detailed information about the tumor's histological characteristics, including its cellular composition and architecture.

Other Diagnostic Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC may be performed to evaluate the patient's overall health and detect any potential complications related to the lipoma [1].
• Renal and Liver Function Tests: These tests can help assess the patient's renal and liver function, which is essential for managing potential complications associated with rectal lipomas.

In summary, a combination of imaging studies (CT scan, barium enema, and colonoscopy) and histopathological examination (biopsy and microscopic examination) can provide a comprehensive diagnosis of rectal lipoma. These diagnostic tests can help confirm the presence and characteristics of the tumor, which is essential for developing an effective treatment plan.

References:

[1] by D Anyfantakis · 2020 · Cited by 5 — Results of the laboratory work-up including complete blood count, renal and liver function tests, blood coagulation and carcino-embryonic ...

[4] by OM Ghanem · 2015 · Cited by 23 — They are often misdiagnosed as a rectal prolapse or as a colonic malignancy[3]. One initial radiographic test is the barium enema.

[5] If a suspected colorectal tumor is found during a screening or diagnostic test, it usually is biopsied. In a biopsy, the doctor removes a small piece of tissue with a special instrument passed through the scope.

[8] Imaging tests use x-rays, magnetic fields, sound waves, or radioactive substances to create pictures of the inside of your body. Imaging tests might be done for a number of reasons both before and after a diagnosis of anal cancer, including: To help find cancer; To learn how far cancer has spread; To help see if treatment is working

[11] If a suspected colorectal tumor is found during a screening or diagnostic test, it usually is biopsied. In a biopsy, the doctor removes a small piece of tissue with a special instrument passed through the scope.

The differential diagnosis of rectal lipoma involves considering various conditions that can mimic its presentation and symptoms. According to the search results, the following are some of the key points to consider:

• Neoplastic lesions: These include malignant tumors such as lymphomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), leiomyosarcomas, neuroendocrine tumors, hemangiomas, and others [11].
• Atypical internal hemorrhoids with thrombosis: This condition can present with similar symptoms to rectal lipoma, including prolapse and bleeding [2].
• Rectal procidentia: Also known as rectal prolapse, this is a condition where the rectum protrudes through the anus, which can be mistaken for a rectal mass or tumor [12].
• Lymphoma: This is a type of cancer that affects the immune system and can involve the rectum, making it a differential diagnosis for rectal lipoma [7].
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): These are rare tumors that arise from the stomach or intestines but can also occur in the rectum, making them a consideration in the differential diagnosis of rectal lipoma [8].

It's worth noting that rectal lipomas are extremely rare and often asymptomatic, but when symptoms do occur, they can include rectal bleeding, constipation, tenesmus, and signs of intestinal obstruction [4]. A correct diagnosis is obtained through histology of the endoscopically resected polyp or imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI [15].

In summary, the differential diagnosis of rectal lipoma involves considering a range of conditions that can mimic its presentation and symptoms, including neoplastic lesions, atypical internal hemorrhoids with thrombosis, rectal procidentia, lymphoma, and GISTs.