Pathology of the colon Flashcards
What is a polyp?
A protrusion above an epithelial surface
What are the 3 main appearances of polyp?
Pedunculated
Sessile
Flat
What is meant by a pedunculated polyp?
This means that the head of the polyp is attached via a “cord” to the epithelium
What is meant by a sessile polyp?
The poly is carpet like and so forms small protruding fibres
What are the 2 main origins of polyps?
Epithelial
Mesenchymal
What are some forms of benign polyp?
Adenoma
Inflammatory polyps
Juvenile polyps
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
What are adenomas?
These are benign, non-invasive tumours of the colon which can progress into adenocarcinoma if left untreated
What are the 3 histological classes of adenoma?
Tubular
Villous
Tubulovillous
What is meant by a villous adenoma?
A polyp that branches out into finger-like projections
What is meant by a tubular adenoma?
A polyp that has crypt like inward protrusions
What must be done with all adenomas?
Removal, either surgically or endoscopically
Where are most colonic adenocarcinomas found?
Left side (Rectum, sigmoid and descending colon)
How will left sided colonic adenocarcinoma usually present?
Blood PR
Altered bowel habit
Obstruction
How will right sided colonic adenocarcinoma usually present?
Anaemia
Weight loss
What is the primary treatment of colonic adenocarcinoma?
Surgery, involving removal of the affected region of the colon, before sending it off to pathology for staging
Where are some possible places of invasion in colonic adenocarcinoma?
Mesorectum
Peritoneum
Mesentery
Liver
Bladder