[Non-epithelial tumors of the colon-rectum. Our experience]

Non-epithelial malignancies of the colon and rectum are exceedingly rare. These neoplasms are usually asymptomatic and present with aspecific symptoms. Over a period of nearly 30 years (1963-1991) 1187 colorectal malignancies were treated surgically in our department. Twenty-one patients (about 2%) had non epithelial colorectal tumor: 8 lymphomas, 2 lipomas, 2 leiomyomas, 1 leiomyosarcoma, 4 neuroendocrine tumors and 4 "Tumor-like" lesions. Preoperative diagnosis could be made only in 5 patients. A retrospective analysis of our experience showed the importance of considering these lesions, though rare, among colorectal disease. Whenever an aspecific clinical picture with uncertain aetiology is showed and the patient scheduled for surgery, intraoperative histology is mandatory so as to guide any surgical strategy.