It is probably premature to get too worked up about this lesion at this time.

Yes, 10 mm (1 cm) is quite small. Because this mass lies beneath the mucosa of the colon, it is very unlikely to be a colon cancer. It may just be scarring related to your prior appendectomy. Other relatively common causes of submucosal lesions in this part of the GI tract include lymph nodes (benign, or, rarely, malignant) and carcinoid tumors (usually benign when they are this size, but they can, rarely, be malignant as well).

Statistically, at least, the odds are in favor of a benign condition, although your doctor is correct in suggesting further evaluation.

Sincerely/ Robert A. Wascher, MD, FACS

Hi! Don't worry yourself sick. Worst case scenario, a 10mm lesion is generally removed more easily than larger ones. Also, the smaller these things are, the greater chance of full recovery. Even if it’s benign, I believe they’ll want to remove it entirely anyway, as over time they can become malignant and spread. I think when it's submucosal, the do a resection (cut it out in a section). My grandma went through that many years ago, recovered nicely, and is still with us.

I learned this info within the last month. I happened to have a CT scan recently when I had some low abdominal pain. While looking at the abdomen region, they noted a 1.5" mass in the lower colorectal area. So I had a colonoscopy, but they could not see it on the inside (lumen). They thought it might be submucosal. I had an ultrasound last week and it appears to be a cyst pushing from the outside (not real common). My MRI is coming up and, most likely, surgery to remove it.

I worried too much in the beginning and it did me no good. You may find "putting it on a shelf" in your mind until tests bring clarity, will be helpful. It's okay to be concerned, but you will cross bridges as you go and do what needs to be done. Be thankful you caught it now. The sooner these things come out (if necessary), the better. On a side note, I had 3 polyps removed that could’ve been cancerous before 50. They told me age 40 is recommended if there is family history, as I have. That polyp find was “a blessing in disguise”. I wish you well.

thanks for the info Dr. Wascher.

Lemon, really appreciate the advice and I do hope you have good results with your issue as well. thanks for the lengthy reply, hearing from other helps relieve some of the apprehension.

the radiologist said have it removed, the gastroenterologist also said have it removed. BUT the great news is!!! after reviewing the pathology reports the surgeon stated that it was basically the inverted stump from the apendectomy I had 30 years ago, so no surgery, I'm loving it !!! and one good thing out of the ct scan was that they did see that I had a retroaortic left renal vein (good to know should I ever need surgery)

thank all of you again for your help

\Mike

Very good news! I bet you are soooooo relieved! It turned out to be an informative find in more ways than one. Wishing you continued good health.