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

• Colonic Mucosal Schwann Cell Hamartoma
• Mucosal Schwann Cell Hamartoma Colon Polyp
• Mucosal Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon

What is Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon? (Definition/Background Information)

• Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon is a rare, benign, non-cancerous lesion that forms in the colon (large intestine). The tumor is 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
• Schwann Cell Hamartoma 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 Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon is excellent and it does not recur after removal

Who gets Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Schwann Cell Hamartoma 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
• Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon has been found in both men and women
• No racial or ethnic group predilection is observed

What are the Risk Factors for Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon? (Predisposing Factors)

The specific risk factors of Schwann Cell Hamartoma 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 one's 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 Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon? (Etiology)

The cause of Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon is unknown.

• Some 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 Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon may also be caused by genetic mutations that predispose an individual to developing these polyps

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon?

A majority of Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon do not cause any significant symptoms. They are often found incidentally during a colonoscopy that may be performed for other health conditions.

Rarely, the signs and symptoms of Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon may include:

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

Most Schwann cell hamartomas are found in the distal part of the colon, which includes the sigmoid colon and rectum.

How is Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon would involve:

• Physical exam and evaluation of medical history
• Screening colonoscopy: Schwann Cell Hamartoma 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:

• Perineurioma
• Granular cell tumor
• 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 Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon?

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

How is Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon Treated?

• Due to the benign (non-cancerous) nature of Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon, they do not generally require any treatment
• They are also not inherently harmful to the body. However, Colonic Schwann Cell Hamartomas 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 Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon be Prevented?

Currently, no known preventive methods exist for Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon.

• Although, one may 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 Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for individuals with Schwann Cell Hamartoma 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 Schwann Cell Hamartoma of Colon:

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

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