An isolated colonic neurofibroma: A rare colonic neoplasm. Case report with clinicopathologic features and review of literature

Abstract

Neurofibromas of the large bowel are very rare and usually observed in the colonic region in neurofibromatosis type 1 (Von Recklinghausen’s disease). Solitary colonic neurofibromas outside the neurofibromatosis type 1 setting are extremely rare. Histological differential diagnosis of neural lesions is broad, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors, neurofibromas, mucosal neuromas, ganglioneuromas, inflammatory fibroid polyps, and smooth muscle neoplasms (leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma). The recognition of colonic neurofibromas is important to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Herein, we report a case of isolated colonic neurofibroma in a 76-year-old man without any systemic signs of neurofibromatosis. To date, only a few case reports of this rare colonic neoplasm have been published. While they are usually benign, they may undergo malignant transformation, especially when associated with neurofibromatosis. Colonic neurofibroma may be the initial manifestation of neurofibromatosis; thus, patients presenting with isolated colonic neurofibroma should be followed-up and checked for the development of neurofibromatosis and malignancies.

Keywords

• Isolated neurofibroma
• Solitary neurofibroma colon
• Endoscopy