Adenomatous polyps
Adenomatous polyps, also known as colorectal adenomas, are benign growths that arise from the inner lining of the colon or rectum. While these polyps are noncancerous, they have the potential to progress to cancer if not removed. They are most prevalent in individuals over the age of fifty and those with a family history of colon polyps or genetic conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which is characterized by numerous polyps that almost invariably develop into tumors. Most adenomatous polyps do not cause symptoms, making regular screening essential for early detection; colonoscopy is the most common method used to identify and remove these growths.
If left untreated, adenomatous polyps can lead to complications such as rectal bleeding and changes in bowel habits. The general treatment involves the removal of the polyps during screening, and patients are often advised to undergo regular follow-up screenings afterward. Preventative measures include maintaining a high-fiber, low-fat diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Overall, timely detection and removal of adenomatous polyps can significantly reduce the risk of progression to colon cancer.
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Subject Terms
Adenomatous polyps
ALSO KNOWN AS: Colorectal adenomas
RELATED CONDITIONS: Colon cancer, benign polyps, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
DEFINITION: Polyps are abnormal tissue growths stemming from the lining of mucous membranes. Colorectal adenomatous polyps are benign (noncancerous) polyps that project from the inner lining of the colon or rectum and protrude into the lumen of the intestines. Despite their benign characteristics, adenomatous polyps can become cancerous if not removed.
Risk factors: Adenomatous polyps are one of the most common types of colon polyps. Individuals over the age of fifty years are much more likely to develop these growths, as are those with a family history of colon polyps. Additionally, having a mutation in the APC gene can cause a condition named familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This disorder causes numerous polyps to grow in the intestines, which almost always develop into tumors. Also, individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and those with high cholesterol are predisposed to have adenomatous polyps.
Etiology and the disease process: Adenomatous polyps are a collection of cells that display uncontrolled proliferation, forming a growth that stems from the inner lining of the colon.
Incidence: The prevalence of adenomatous polyps ranges from 10 to 25 percent of the population, depending on the type of screening procedure used.
Symptoms: Most adenomatous polyps are asymptomatic, and patients are unaware of their presence until they are identified through screening. When adenomatous polyps are not removed and continue to grow larger, they can eventually induce rectal bleeding, diarrhea, or constipation.
Screening and diagnosis: The most common screening method to detect adenomatous polyps is colonoscopy, a procedure by which a doctor inserts a viewing tube into the colon and removes any visually identified polyps. Other screening methods that may be used are flexible sigmoidoscopy and barium enema. Removed polyps are then biopsied to determine if they are benign or have developed into precancerous or cancerous lesions.
Treatment and therapy: When identified through screening, the general treatment is immediate removal of adenomatous polyps to prevent their possible development into cancer. Most doctors recommend that patients undergo subsequent yearly colorectal screenings following the removal of adenomatous polyps.
Prognosis, prevention, and outcomes: When discovered and removed, adenomatous polyps do not significantly change a patient’s quality of life. However, if left undetected, some of these polyps can develop into colon cancer, which can be fatal if untreated. Some possible ways to prevent the development of adenomatous polyps is to maintain a diet that is high in fiber and low in fat, as well as refraining from smoking and excessive drinking.
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