Colon polyps overview: Difference between revisions
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===History and Symptoms=== | ===History and Symptoms=== | ||
The majority of patients with colon polyps are asymptomatic. Patients with colon polyps may have a positive history of previous polyps. [[Family history]] of polyps might be positive. Colon polyps are incidentally found during [[Screening (medicine)|screening]] for [[Colorectal cancer|colon cancer]]. However, if the polyps are large, they might present with [[rectal bleeding]] and [[fatigue]], change in [[Defecation|bowel habits]] and stool color, and crampy [[abdominal pain]]. | |||
===Physical Examination=== | ===Physical Examination=== | ||
Patients with colon polyps usually have normal physical examination. Patients with large colon polyps might have few signs including [[Tenderness (medicine)|abdominal tenderness]] in the lower abdomen, a palpable [[Rectal masses|rectal mass]] on [[Rectal examination|digital rectal exam]], and [[pallor]] due to [[Fecal occult blood|occult bleeding]]. | |||
===Laboratory Findings=== | ===Laboratory Findings=== | ||
Laboratory testing is usually normal among patients with colon polyps. However, some patients with colon polyps may have abnormal tests, including [[Complete blood count|CBC]] and [[stool test]], which is usually suggestive of [[gastrointestinal bleeding]]. They might present with [[anemia]] or positive [[fecal occult blood]]. | |||
===Electrocardiogram=== | ===Electrocardiogram=== | ||
There are no [[The electrocardiogram|ECG]] findings associated with colon polyps. | |||
===X-ray=== | ===X-ray=== | ||
Double-contrast [[Barium enema]] may be helpful in the diagnosis of colon polyps. Colon polyps might be presented as an outgrowths with lobulation or indentation and filling defects on [[x-rays]]. | |||
===Ultrasound=== | ===Echocardiography/Ultrasound=== | ||
There are no echocardiography/ultrasound findings associated with colon polyps. | |||
===CT scan=== | ===CT scan=== | ||
[[Computed tomography|CT scan with contrast]] and [[Virtual colonoscopy|CT colonography]] or [[virtual colonoscopy]] may be helpful in the diagnosis of colon polyps. Outgrowths and filling defects are suggestive of colon polyps. | |||
===MRI=== | ===MRI=== | ||
[[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] may be helpful in the [[diagnosis]] of colon polyps. Diffusion-weighted [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (DWI) and [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] colonography are used to detect polyps. | |||
===Other Imaging Findings=== | ===Other Imaging Findings=== | ||
Revision as of 12:38, 22 January 2018
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Colon polyps Microchapters |
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Colon polyps overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Colon polyps overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sadaf Sharfaei M.D.[2]
Overview
Historical Perspective
In 1895, the first sigmoidoscopy was developed to visualize the colon. Since then, it has been used to screen for colon polyps and colorectal cancer. In 1975, it was reported that adenomas are the precursors of colorectal cancer and hyperplastic polyps are non-neoplastic lesions. Since 1992, different pathways of polyp-cancer have been introduced, including molecular adenoma-carcinoma progression, mutator phenotype, serrated (neoplasia) pathway.
Classification
Colon polyps may be classified into two groups of neoplastic and nonneoplastic. Non-neoplastic polyps consist of inflammatory and hamartomatous polyps. Neoplastic polyps consist of serrated and adenomatous polyps. Adenomatous polyps may be classified into several subtypes based on endoscopic, histologic features and degree of dysplasia. Adenomas may be classified according to endoscopic features into four groups including sessile, pedunculated, flat, or depressed. Adenomas may be classified according to histologic features into three groups including tubular, tubulovillous, and villous.
Pathophysiology
Causes
The cause of colon polyps has not been identified.
Differentiating Colon Polyps from Other Diseases
Colon polyps might present solitary or multiple. Solitary colon polyps usually have no symptoms. Colon polyps must be differentiated from other genetic diseases that cause multiple polyps, such as Peutz–Jeghers syndrome, Cowden syndrome, Bannayan–Riley–Ruvalcaba syndrome, juvenile polyposis, and McCune–Albright syndrome.
Epidemiology and Demographics
The exact incidence and prevalence of colon polyps are unknown. Colon polyps are incidentally found in colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies. However, the incidence of colon polyps is estimated to be 200,000 cases in the united states annually. The prevalence of colon polyps is between 10-25% in different screening studies. The incidence of colon polyps increases with age; the median age at diagnosis is 50 years. Colon polyps usually affect individuals of the African American race. Men are more commonly affected by colon polyps than women. Colon polyps is a common disease worldwide.
Risk Factors
Risk factors in the development of colon polyps may be environmental, genetic, and lifestyle behaviors. The most potent risk factor in the development of colon polyps is age. Other risk factors include family history, obesity, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Screening
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for colon polyps. According to the guidelines screening for the colon polyps must be done earlier after the first colon polyps are discovered. Hyperplastic polyps have no malignant tendency and recommendation for the colonoscopy is similar to general population. Adenomatous and serrated polyps have neoplastic nature and must be followed every 3-5 years.
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy are diagnostic studies of choice to diagnose colon polyps.
History and Symptoms
The majority of patients with colon polyps are asymptomatic. Patients with colon polyps may have a positive history of previous polyps. Family history of polyps might be positive. Colon polyps are incidentally found during screening for colon cancer. However, if the polyps are large, they might present with rectal bleeding and fatigue, change in bowel habits and stool color, and crampy abdominal pain.
Physical Examination
Patients with colon polyps usually have normal physical examination. Patients with large colon polyps might have few signs including abdominal tenderness in the lower abdomen, a palpable rectal mass on digital rectal exam, and pallor due to occult bleeding.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory testing is usually normal among patients with colon polyps. However, some patients with colon polyps may have abnormal tests, including CBC and stool test, which is usually suggestive of gastrointestinal bleeding. They might present with anemia or positive fecal occult blood.
Electrocardiogram
There are no ECG findings associated with colon polyps.
X-ray
Double-contrast Barium enema may be helpful in the diagnosis of colon polyps. Colon polyps might be presented as an outgrowths with lobulation or indentation and filling defects on x-rays.
Echocardiography/Ultrasound
There are no echocardiography/ultrasound findings associated with colon polyps.
CT scan
CT scan with contrast and CT colonography or virtual colonoscopy may be helpful in the diagnosis of colon polyps. Outgrowths and filling defects are suggestive of colon polyps.
MRI
MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of colon polyps. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) and MRI colonography are used to detect polyps.