Colon Polyps, Intestinal Polyposis Syndromes, Colorectal Screening, Colorectal Cancer, Anal Cancer Flashcards
what is the first part of the large intestine?
the cecum which is connected to the ileum and is located in the RLQ
what 4 portions make up the colon?
- Ascending
- Transverse
- Descending
- Sigmoid – just before the rectum
what is the proximal colon?
Refers to the ascending and transverse colon
what are the functions of the colon?
The colon (part of the large intestine) does not play a major role in absorption of nutrients
- It’s functions are to remove water, salt and some nutrients during stool formation
- The colon absorbs vitamin K
what is a colon polyp?
a growth in the inner lining of the colon which protrudes into the colon
very common
size, number, and histology are all important
how do you dx colon polyps?
colonoscopy, barium enema, sigmoidoscopy
do colon polyps usually cause problems?
no, but may become malignant
shapes of colon polyps
pedunculated (mushroom cap), sessile, or flat/depressed
flat and depressed are concerning for malignancy
colon polyps signs (PE)
typically asymptomatic unless causing obstruction or bleeding
GI bleeding
Intestinal obstruction
colon polyps sx’s
- asymptomatic
- BRBPR
- rectal tenesmus (sensation you need to move your bowels, but nothing there)
- change in bowel habits
non-neoplastic colon polyps classifications
mucosal polyps
inflammatory polyps
hyperplastic polyps
submucosal polyps
hamartamous polyps
neoplastic colon polyps classifcations
adenomatous polyps
mucosal polyps
non-neoplastic colon polyps (resemble normal colonic-type tissue)
- Small <5mm
- Resemble adjacent tissue
- Histologically normal tissue – No increased risk of turning into cancer
- No clinical significance
inflammatory pseudopolyps
non-neoplastic colon polyps (resemble normal colonic-type tissue)
- Irregularly shaped islands of intact mucosa (result of mucosal ulceration and regeneration)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease process (common in Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease)
- Presence can complicate recognition of true adenomas
what are inflammatory pseudopolyps caused by?
inflammatory bowel disease process (UC, Crohn’s disease)
hyperplastic polyps
non-neoplastic colon polyps (resemble normal colonic-type tissue)
- MOST COMMON NON-NEOPLASTIC POLYPS
- Normal cellular components but may be indistinguishable from adenomatous polyps
- NEED TO BE CUT OUT B/C SMALL CHANCE CANCEROUS
- Serrated/Sawtooth pattern
- Most found rectosigmoid and <5mm, typically do not exhibit dysplasia or develop into CRC
what is the most common non-neoplastic colon polyp?
hyperplastic polyps
what do hyperplastic polyps resemble?
- Normal cellular components but may be indistinguishable from adenomatous polyps
- NEED TO BE CUT OUT B/C SMALL CHANCE CANCEROUS
what is the pattern of hyperplastic polyps?
serrated/sawtooth pattern
where are hyperplastic polyps found? size? dysplasia? develop into CRC?
rectosigmoid
<5mm
don’t exhibit dysplasia or develop into CRC
submucosal polyps
non-neoplastic colon polyps (resemble normal colonic-type tissue)
-Looks like lymphoid tissue, Fribromas
-Lipoma
Most common submucosal
-Yellow in color and soft
-“Pillow sign” – indentation with forceps (squeeze it and it goes back to its normal shape/pops back)
-No increased risk of colorectal cancer
what is the most common submucosal polyp?
lipoma
- yellow in color and soft
- “pillow sign”
hamartamous polyps
non-neoplastic colon polyps (resemble normal colonic-type tissue)
- Grow in disorganized fashion
- Classified as non-neoplastic, but can develop dysplasia and lead to CRC
Many polyposis syndromes derive from this polyp (seen in familial autosomal dominant syndromes)
what derives from hamartamous polyps?
Many polyposis syndromes derive from this polyp (seen in familial autosomal dominant syndromes)