-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