Cavernous hemangioma: unusual benign tumor of the transverse colon

Cavernous hemangioma of the colon is an uncommon disease and a rare cause of bleeding. Few cases have been reported in the literature. The rectosigmoid is the most common site of this disease in the gastrointestinal tract, while colonic localization is very uncommon. We report the case of a 66-year-old female with recurrent episodes of rectal bleeding. She underwent a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the transverse colon. A laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy was performed. Colonic hemangiomas are very rare vascular malformations and their clinical presentation is usually acute, recurrent or chronic rectal bleeding. This tumor can be diagnosed as solitary, multiple, or part of a more complex syndrome with cutaneous manifestations. They can also invade adjacent structures. Colonoscopy is a useful diagnostic test. The extension of the lesion, its morphology and its localization can be established, but imaging such as magnetic resonance or computerized tomography scan has to be performed. Sometimes, however, recognition of these tumors is difficult and can be a cause of failed surgical treatment and severe complications. Surgical treatment is recommended, after a full diagnostic evaluation for other causes of gastrointestinal bleeding.