Rectal xanthomatous polyp within the context of a normal serum lipid profile: A case report

Abstract

A xanthoma is a localized mass-forming collection of lipid-bearing cells (foamy histiocytes). They are uncommon in the gastrointestinal tract and reports among Nigerians are rarer. We present here a case of a 50-year-old hypertensive man, who had screening colonoscopy on account of positive fecal immunochemical test during a general health checkup. His clinical history and examination findings were unremarkable. He had marginally elevated plasma glucose values, but normal lipid profile. Findings at colonoscopy were a rectal polyp and erythematous patches in the transverse colon. The histology revealed lamina propria collections of foamy histiocytes, negative for periodic acid Schiff.