-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
digestive system
intestinal polyps
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition:
pedunculated or sessile tumors that arise from the mucus membrane and protrude into the lumen; occur most commonly in the sigmoid colon and rectum

etiology:
They may be hyperplastic, adenomatous or villous; neoplastic or non-neoplastic; benign or malignant. Little is known about the exact causes of their growth other than the genetic aspects of the familial syndromes. Adenomatous polyps are the most common, and their incidence increases with age. Since it appears that most colon carcinomas have developed from benign polyps, it seems reasonable to suggest that risk factors for polyps may be similar to those of bowel cancer, although many benign polyps never progress.

signs and symptoms

signs and symptoms: most are asymptomatic
• rectal bleeding is the most frequent initial complaint
• large polyps may secrete mucus and cause electrolyte imbalance
• most often found while routinely investigating other problems

course and prognosis

Large polyps may cause intussusception, but most are asymptomatic. The greatest danger is development of colorectal cancer. Only a small percentage of benign polyps will progress to cancer, but large sessile villous adenomas have a high malignancy potential. They are normally routinely excised if observed during sigmoid/colonoscopy.

differential diagnosis

• usually identified on routine examination
• sporadic benign neoplastic adenomatous
• familial neoplastic: Gardner's syndrome, familial polyposis, Turcot's syndrome
• non-neoplastic: mucosal, juvenile, hamartomas, inflammatory pseudopolyps


footnotes