[Non-epithelial tumors of the large intestine]

Colorectal cancer may arise from any kind of tissue constituting normal wall of the large intestine, however, in majority of cases, it is of epithelial origin. Endocrine, mesenchymal neoplasms and non-granulomatic lymphomas belong to rarely occurring cancers of the large intestine. Mesenchymal neoplasms may derive from muscles, nervous system, fibrous connective tissue, fat tissue and from blood and lymphatic vessels. The paper presents 3 cases of non-epithelial neoplasms of the large intestine (myosarcoma and 2 myomas). All cancers concerned women older than 50 years (mean age 64.6 +/- 11.4 years) and were localized in the right hemicolon. In all cases episodes of hemorrhage from the lower part of the digestive tract triggered the diagnostic procedures. Surgical treatment varied from hemicolectomy with lymphadenectomy to endoscopic excision of a small lipoma. Histopathological verification and immunohistochemical staining were obtained after their removal. Clinical course and intraoperative situation were decisive as to type of surgery. Although mesenchymal tumors are very rare among large intestine neoplasms, one should consider their occurrence while carrying preoperative diagnosis.

Occurrence of other tumors than neoplasms should be taken into consideration while carrying preoperative diagnosis.