What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Benign Fibroblastic Polyp of Colon
• Colonic Perineurioma
• Perineurioma Colon Polyp

What is Perineurioma of Colon? (Definition/Background Information)

• Perineurioma of Colon is a rare, benign, non-cancerous lesion that forms in the colon (large intestine). Perineuriomas are not pre-malignant - meaning that individuals are not at an increased risk for developing colon cancer
• It can occur in middle-aged and older men and women aged around 50 years
• Perineurioma of Colon lesions are usually less than 1 cm in size. Some can be larger in size too
• A complete surgical removal of the lesion results in a cure. The prognosis of Perineurioma of Colon is excellent and it does not recur after removal 

Who gets Perineurioma of Colon? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Perineurioma of Colon usually arise in older adults; most commonly they are found in individuals aged 50 years and over
• However, they can be found in individuals of all ages
• Perineurioma of Colon has been found in both men and women. It is more common in women than in men
• No racial or ethnic group predilection is observed

What are the Risk Factors for Perineurioma of Colon? (Predisposing Factors)

The specific risk factors of Perineurioma of Colon are unknown. However, the general risk factors for formation of other types of colon polyps include:

• Colonic epithelial injury (injury to the epithelial lining cells of the colon)
• Hyperplastic polyposis syndromes that is typically caused by genetic mutations, leading to the formation of polyps
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• Gardner’s syndrome
• A diet which is high in fat and low in fiber
• Smoking
• Lack of exercise
• Weight gain
• Inflammatory bowel disease

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Perineurioma of Colon? (Etiology)

The cause of Perineurioma of Colon is unknown.

• Some researchers believe that it is typically formed in response to colon injury or irritation
• When an injury occurs, the body works to repair the area. During this repair process, polyps may form, either due to extra cell proliferation or abnormal repair. The cells “pile up” and form a polyp
• Some studies have indicated that Perineurioma of Colon may also be caused by genetic mutations that predispose an individual to developing these polyps. These include BRAF or KRAS mutations

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Perineurioma of Colon?

A majority of Perineurioma of Colon do not cause any significant symptoms. They are found incidentally during a colonoscopy that may be performed for other health condition.

Rarely, the signs and symptoms of Perineurioma of Colon may include:

• Presence of small lesions/polyps in the colon (typically less than 0.5 centimeters)
• Bleeding from the anus
• Mucus mixed with stools
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Most perineuriomas are found in the distal part of the colon, which includes the sigmoid colon and rectum. They are rarely seen in the right colon or small intestine.

How is Perineurioma of Colon Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Perineurioma of Colon would involve:

• Physical exam and evaluation of medical history
• Screening colonoscopy: Perineuriomas of Colon are diagnosed during colonoscopies. A colonoscopy is a test that allows the physician to look at the inner lining of the colon and rectum. A typical colonoscopy involves using a thin, flexible tube (called a colonoscope), with an attached video camera, to view the colon and rectum. A polyp will show up as a bump and can be removed during the colonoscopy and sent for testing
• A tissue biopsy of the tumor (polyp) is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination
  • A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. If it is indeed a polyp, a distinct appearance is noted by the pathologist. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis
  • Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
  • Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
  • Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies to assist in the diagnosis

A differential diagnosis may be performed to exclude other tumor types before arriving at a diagnosis. This may include:

• Mucosal schwann cell hamartoma
• Ganglioneuroma
• Inflammatory fibroid polyp
• Schwannoma
• Neurofibroma
• Mucosal prolapse (cloacogenic polyp)

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Perineurioma of Colon?

Perineuriomas of Colon are normally not harmful due to their benign nature. Therefore, any complications arising from such polyps are typically minimal.

How is Perineurioma of Colon Treated?

• Due to the benign (non-cancerous) nature of Perineurioma of Colon, they do not generally require any treatment
• They are also not inherently harmful to the body. However, Colonic Perineuriomas are normally removed to confirm the diagnosis
• Typically, they are removed during a colonoscopy and sent for testing, in order to ensure that they are not cancerous or harmful

How can Perineurioma of Colon be Prevented?

Currently, no known preventive methods exist for Perineurioma of Colon.

• One can lower one’s risk of developing polyps by eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle
  • This includes eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; high fat foods should be consumed less
  • One must exercise for at least 30 minutes each day
• In general, folic acid and calcium supplements may also reduce the risk of formation of colon polyps

What is the Prognosis of Perineurioma of Colon? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for individuals with Perineurioma of Colon is generally excellent
• Since, there is no risk of these polyps developing into cancer; they do not have a clinical significance. Most individuals are able to carry on with a normal quality of life

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Perineurioma of Colon:

• Perineurioma of Colon was first described by Varzaneh (and colleagues) in 2004 as Benign Fibroblastic Polyp of Colon

The following article link will help you understand colonoscopy screening procedure.

http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-surgical/colonoscopy/