Sarcoma of the large intestine

Sarkomas of the large intestine are rare, they account for less than 1 % of all malignant tumors of the colon. In contrast to cancer, large intestine sarcomas occur in people of a younger age.

The sarcomas of the rectum are found at an older age.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]

What causes colon sarcoma?

Sarcomas can arise from all tissues of the intestinal wall, except epithelial. With histological examination, fibrosarcomas, myxosarcomas, angiosarcomas are more often found; in the rectum, melanomas are sometimes detected.

Symptoms of large intestine sarcoma

The clinical manifestations of sarcoma of the intestinal tract are basically similar to those of colorectal cancer. However, the course of this disease is usually more rapid. With large intestine sarcoma, there are less frequent intestinal bleeding and intestinal obstruction. Sometimes sarcomas reach a significant size and they manage to be palpated through the abdominal wall.

Diagnosis of colon sarcoma

To detect a tumor of the rectum, finger examination is very important. Tumors that are located more proximally, are well detected with an irrigoscopy and a colonoscopy (with biopsy). Sometimes, to confirm the diagnosis of sarcomas (in especially difficult cases for diagnosis), computer tomography is performed. Usually increased ESR, anemia is noted.

[8], [9], [10], [11], [12]

Prognosis for colon sarcoma

The prognosis (without surgery) is unfavorable, in the course of surgical treatment, tumors often recur frequently. Sometimes the sarcoma of the large intestine is amenable to radiotherapy with a temporary or longer (several years) remission.