Colon adenomas in patients with hyperplastic polyps

Although hyperplastic polyps are generally believed to have no malignant potential, recent work has suggested that they might be more common in patients with adenomas. We evaluated whether hyperplastic polyps could serve as a marker for patients who might benefit from colonoscopy. We retrospectively reviewed 1,588 consecutive colonoscopy reports and hospital charts on 1,407 different patients examined between May 1983 and August 1985: 242 patients had adenomas, and 94 had hyperplastic polyps. Of patients with hyperplastic polyps 93.6% had concomitant adenomas, as compared with 35.7% of those without, p less than 0.001. Adenomas proximal to the rectosigmoid were found in 61.7% of patients with hyperplastic polyps and in 25.3% of those without, p less than 0.001. Patients with hyperplastic polyps in the rectosigmoid had proximal adenomas more frequently (64.7%) than did those without rectosigmoid hyperplastic polyps (29.4%), p less than 0.001. We conclude that patients with hyperplastic polyps are more likely to have adenomas, and patients with rectosigmoid hyperplastic polyps are more likely to have proximal adenomas. Based on these preliminary data, we believe that the finding of hyperplastic polyps in the rectosigmoid might justify full colonoscopy and that this should be studied further.     

Risk of proximal colon neoplasia with distal hyperplastic polyps: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Most guidelines for colorectal cancer screening do not consider distal hyperplastic polyps (HPs) to be markers for proximal colon neoplasia. However, many studies have shown an increased risk of proximal neoplasia (PN) in patients with distal HPs. We performed a systematic review to assess the association between distal HPs and PN. METHODS: We identified studies that compared the prevalence of PN and proximal advanced neoplasia in patients with distal HPs vs controls. Two masked investigators extracted data on individuals with distal HPs, distal adenomas, or no distal polyps. Using the DerSimonian and Laird method, we calculated summary risk ratios. Extensive subgroup analysis was performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of PN and proximal advanced neoplasia in persons with distal HPs was 26.0% and 4.4%, respectively. In studies comparing the risk of PN in patients with distal HPs vs those with no distal polyps, the summary risk ratio was 1.81 (95% confidence interval, 1.20-2.73). However, this increased risk disappeared if only high-quality studies on screening patients were considered. The risk ratio was 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.60-0.80) when comparing the risk of PN in those with distal HPs vs those with distal adenomas. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, patients with distal HPs have an intermediate risk of PN compared with those with distal adenomas or no distal polyps; however, in asymptomatic screening individuals, there is no increased risk of PN or proximal advanced neoplasia. The discovery of HPs on screening flexible sigmoidoscopy should not automatically prompt follow-up colonoscopy.     

Pressure dye-spray: a simple and reliable method for differentiating adenomas from hyperplastic polyps in the colon

BACKGROUND: Based on 10 years of experience with chromoendoscopy, our hypothesis was that colonic adenomas can be differentiated from hyperplastic polyps by use of a high-pressure spray-jet of dye (pressure dye-spray). To test the accuracy of pressure dye-spray, classification of colonic polyps as adenomas and hyperplastic polyps by pressure dye-spray and ordinary colonoscopic findings (shape, size, and color surface appearance) were compared. METHODS: Pressure dye-spray chromoendoscopy was performed by using 0.035% indigo carmine, a spray-type cannula, and a water pump. Polyps were first classified as adenomas or hyperplastic polyps by ordinary colonoscopic findings. One or more pressure dye-spray bursts were then focused on the polyp from a distance of 1 to 2 cm. Polyps were classified as adenomas only if oozing of blood was evident; otherwise, they were classified as hyperplastic polyps. A histologic diagnosis was obtained for all polyps, and the results of ordinary colonoscopic findings and pressure dye-spray were compared. RESULTS: This study examined 1468 polyps (1201 adenomas, 267 hyperplastic polyps; mean diameter 4 mm). The sensitivities for polyp differentiation with pressure dye-spray and ordinary colonoscopic findings were, respectively, 97.9% and 73.4% (p < 0.0001); specificities were, respectively, 96.6% and 92.1% (p = 0.077). CONCLUSIONS: Pressure dye-spray was found to be a reliable technique for differentiation between adenomas and hyperplastic polyps.     

Colorectal hyperplastic polyps and risk of recurrence of adenomas and hyperplastic polyps. Polyps Prevention Study

We examined data from two large colorectal chemoprevention trials for possible associations of hyperplastic polyps and adenomas with subsequent development of these lesions. Hyperplastic polyps do not predict metachronous adenomas.     

Prevalence and incidence of hyperplastic polyps and adenomas in familial colorectal cancer: correlation between the two types of colon polyps

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Colorectal adenomas are recognised as precursors of colorectal carcinomas. The significance of hyperplastic (metaplastic) colorectal polyps is unknown. The relationship between hyperplastic polyps and adenomas, and the prevalence and incidence of these lesions were evaluated in individuals predisposed to familial colorectal cancer. METHODS: A total of 299 individuals participating in our surveillance programme during 1990-2000 were retrospectively evaluated. Subjects were classified into three groups: hereditary non-polyposis syndrome (HNPCC) (n=108), hereditary colorectal cancer (HCRC) (n=127), and individuals with empirical risk estimates-two close relatives (TCR) (n=64). Findings from 780 colonoscopies were evaluated regarding prevalence and incidence of hyperplastic polyps and adenomas. Correlations between hyperplastic polyps and adenomas were calculated by Pearson correlation. RESULTS: In total, 292 hyperplastic polyps and 186 adenomas were observed in 98 and 90 individuals, respectively. A positive correlation was found between the numbers of hyperplastic polyps and adenomas (r=0.40; p<0.001). Correlations between adenomas and hyperplastic polyps were similar in the three groups. The risk of detecting new hyperplastic polyps (odds ratio 5.41) or adenomas (OR 2.56) increased significantly when there was a positive finding at first colonoscopy. CONCLUSION: Hyperplastic polyps as well as adenomas may identify individuals with a high risk of colorectal cancer. This information is important when these individuals are selected and included in tailored surveillance programmes.     

Risk of proximal colorectal neoplasia among asymptomatic patients with distal hyperplastic polyps

PURPOSE: Many guidelines on colorectal cancer screening do not consider distal hyperplastic polyps to be a marker for proximal neoplasia. However, 11 of 17 published studies have shown an increased risk of proximal neoplasia in patients with distal hyperplastic polyps. Our goal is to assess the risk of proximal neoplasia in asymptomatic patients with distal hyperplastic polyps, compared to those with distal tubular adenomas or no distal polyps. METHODS: We assessed proximal (cecum, ascending, transverse colon and splenic flexure) and distal polyps in patients undergoing screening colonoscopy, classifying them into 3 groups: distal hyperplastic polyps only; distal adenomas with or without hyperplastic polyps; no distal polyps. The prevalence of proximal neoplasia and advanced neoplasia (polyps > or =1 cm, villous adenomas, or cancer) was compared among these groups. RESULTS: Of 2357 patients, 427 (18%) had neoplasia, including 103 (4%) with advanced neoplasia. Proximal neoplasia occurred in 175 (9%) of 1896 patients with no distal polyps, compared with 28 (12%) of 237 with distal hyperplastic polyps (P = 0.20) and 64 (29%) of 224 with distal adenomas (P <0.0001). Proximal advanced neoplasia occurred in 39 (2%) patients with no distal polyps, compared with 4 (2%) with distal hyperplastic polyps (P = 0.70) and 9 (4%) with distal adenomas (P = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with distal hyperplastic polyps, unlike those with distal adenomas, do not exhibit an increased risk for proximal neoplasia or proximal advanced neoplasia compared to those with no distal polyps. The discovery of hyperplastic polyps on screening sigmoidoscopy should not prompt colonoscopy.     

Gastric mucosa in patients with fundic hyperplastic polyps

To assess the functional and morphological characteristics of the gastric mucosa of patients with fundic hyperplastic polyps (FP), the determination of gastric acid secretion, serum gastrin levels, serum pepsinogen 1 (PG1) levels and histological examination were undertaken in 24 patients with FP, 34 with foveolar hyperplastic polyps (HP) and 62 controls, who had no gastric lesions. The following were the results of our investigation. 1) There were no differences between the patients with FP and the controls as to gastric acid secretion, serum gastrin levels, and serum PG1 levels. On the other hand, hypochlorhydria, hypergastrinemia and hypopepsinogenemia were common in those with HP. 2) Histological examination using gastric biopsy specimens showed almost normal gastric mucosa in patients with FP. However, severe atrophic gastritis of the fundus was common in patients with HP. 3) It was shown that there were definite differences between the patients with FP and those with HP with regard to the gastric function and morphology, although both types of gastric polyp were histologically classified as hyperplastic.     

Risk factors for self-reported colon polyps

OBJECTIVE: Investigate risk factors for colon polyp using multivariate analyses. DESIGN: In a group responding to a 1992 mail survey, we assessed the association between physician-diagnosed colon polyp and possible risk factors reported primarily 10 years earlier. SETTING: Survey respondents within the Cancer Prevention Study II. PARTICIPANTS: Respondents, 72,868 men and 81,356 women, who reported no polyp diagnosis when questioned in 1982 at ages 40 to 64 years. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The characteristics of 7,504 men (10.3%) and 5,111 women (6.3%) reporting a first colon polyp were compared with those of participants who did not report a polyp. After adjustments for age, family history of colorectal cancer, and other potential risk factors, polyp occurrence was associated with 1982 histories of smoking, former smoking, alcohol use of at least two drinks per day (odds ratios [ORs] from 1.5 to 1.1; all p<.005), and a body mass index ≥ 28 kg/m² (men’s OR 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00, 1.13; women’s OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.99, 1.17). Polyps were also associated with a diagnosis of gallbladder disease or gallstone at any time and with gallbladder surgery up to 1982 (OR from 2.7 to 1.3; all p<.001). Polyp occurrence was inversely associated with 1982 histories of high exercise level (men’s OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.76, 0.91; women’s OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.78, 1.03), frequent aspirin use in women (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.77, 0.95), and high parity in women (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.75, 0.94). Among participants lacking a clinically normal gallbladder, the polyp risks associated with smoking and high body mass index were reduced (p<.04 for interactions). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations and potential biases in these self-reported data, the risk factors described here may be useful for identifying persons at modestly increased risk of having a colon polyp. The effect-modifying role of gallbladder status deserves further investigation. Received from the Department of Epidemiology and Surveillance Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Ga. Dr. Kahn is also affiliated with the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga.     

Comparison of cyclo-oxygenase 2 expression in colorectal serrated adenomas to expression in tubular adenomas and hyperplastic polyps

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Serrated adenoma (SA) is a newly defined category of colorectal neoplasia that contains features of both adenoma and hyperplastic polyp, and has two patterns, hyperplastic and cerebriform patterns. Since cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) has been found upregulated in colorectal cancers and adenomas, we examined whether either the hyperplastic or cerebriform pattern of SA has the potential for tumor progression and should be a target for clinical treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An immunohistochemical scoring system was used to compare COX-2 expression in colorectal SAs (n=79), tubular adenomas (n=66), and hyperplastic polyps (n=21). RESULTS: COX-2 scores were significantly higher in SA of the cerebriform pattern (n=44) than in SA of the hyperplastic pattern (n=35). There was no difference in COX-2 scores between SA of the cerebriform pattern and tubular adenoma. In SA accompanied by hyperplastic polyp (n=26) the hyperplastic components expressed little COX-2, the same as traditional hyperplastic polyps. COX-2 expression in the SA component was similar to that in pure SA. CONCLUSION: SA of the cerebriform pattern should be treated similarly as traditional tubular adenomas. COX-2 induction may additionally be involved in progression from hyperplastic polyp to SA.     

Reinterpretation of histology of proximal colon polyps called hyperplastic in 2001

AIM: To evaluate how proximal colon polyps interpreted as hyperplastic polyps in 2001 would be interpreted by expert pathologists in 2007. METHODS: Forty consecutive proximal colon polyps ≥ 5 mm in size, removed in 2001, and originally interpreted as hyperplastic polyps by general pathologists at Indiana University, were reviewed in 2007 by 3 GI pathologists. RESULTS: The gastrointestinal (GI) pathologists interpreted 85%, 43% and 30% of the polyps as sessile serrated polyps (sessile serrated adenomas). The overall Kappa was 0.16. When diagnoses were compared in pairs, Kappa values were 0.38 and 0.25 (fair agreement) and 0.14 (slight agreement). CONCLUSION: Many polyps interpreted as hyperplastic in 2001 were considered sessile serrated lesions by GI pathologists in 2007, but there is substantial inter-observer variation amongst GI pathologists.     

Reinterpretation of histology of proximal colon polyps called hyperplastic in 2001

AIM： To evaluate how proximal colon polyps interpreted as hyperplastic polyps in 2001 would be interpreted by expert pathologists in 2007.
METHODS： ≥ 5 mm in interpreted pathologists 2007 by 3 GI Forty consecutive proximal colon polyps size, removed in 2001, and originally as hyperplastic polyps by general at Indiana University, were reviewed in pathologists.
CONCLUSION： Many polyps interpreted as hyperplastic in 2001 were considered sessile serrated lesions by GI pathologists in 2007, but there is substantial inter-observer variation amongst GI pathologists.     

Two cases of inverted hyperplastic polyps of the colon and association with adenoma

Here we report two cases of inverted hyperplastic polyps of the colon. The first patient showed three inverted hyperplastic polyps in the ascending colon, one of which was associated with adenoma. We immunostained this adenoma-associated polyp using anti-beta-catenin antibody and found accumulation of beta-catenin in the cytoplasm of the adenomatous lesion but not in the inverted hyperplastic polyp. This suggested an adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutation in the adenomatous region but not in the inverted hyperplastic polyp. The inverted hyperplastic polyp in the second patient was located at the caecum and was studied using magnifying colonoscopy. The polyp appeared to be flat and elevated with a depressed pit in the centre. After spraying with methylene blue dye, the pit pattern of the lesion was observed and small asteroid pits on the polyp were found, consistent with a hyperplastic gland pattern. From these results, we diagnosed inverted hyperplastic polyp of the colon by colonoscopy.     

Distal colonic hyperplastic polyps do not predict proximal adenomas in asymptomatic average-risk subjects.

The significance of distal colonic hyperplastic polyps was investigated in 482 asymptomatic average-risk subjects, aged 50-75 years, in whom fecal occult blood test results were negative and who underwent screening colonoscopy. The incidence of adenomas in the colon proximal to the sigmoid-descending colon junction in subjects with hyperplastic polyps distal to that point was 18% and was similar to the incidence of proximal colonic adenomas in subjects with no distal colonic polyps (15%). The incidence of proximal colonic adenomas in subjects with no distal colonic adenomas was 38% and was significantly greater than the incidence found in individuals with no distal colonic polyps or only hyperplastic polyps. Our data do not support distal colonic hyperplastic polyps as markers for proximal colonic adenomas in asymptomatic average-risk subjects.     

Risk factors and screening techniques in 500 patients with benign and malignant colon polyps

The authors have reviewed 13 years of experience with 500 patients who had 1240 polypoid lesions identified at colonoscopy. An analysis of these patients' symptoms, signs, and past histories prior to initial colonoscopy were collated by computer in order to provide useful information to help in early identification of patients with polyps and to define specific risk factors in patients with polypoid cancers (71 patients with 79 cancers). This study shows that the 500 patients with colon polyps, with and without cancer, are similar in all parameters measured. Their symptoms correlated poorly with the pathology or location of the polyp. Frequently unrelated symptoms brought the patient to the attention of their private physician. A significant high-risk group of patients identified were those with prior colon polyps and cancer. A positive family history of colon cancer was not common. Barium enema, the most common examination, was performed in 90 percent of patients and was the first test to diagnose polyps in 54 percent. Flexible sigmoidoscopy, only more recently available and performed in 20 percent of the patients, established a diagnosis of polypoid disease 96 percent of the time. This study supports screening for all adults above 40 years of age with flexible sigmoidoscopy and stool occult blood. Poster presentation at the meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Washington, D.C., April 5 to 10, 1987. All work performed at Merritt, Peralta, and Providence Hospitals, Oakland, California.     

Association between adenomas of rectosigmoid colon and metabolic syndrome features in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Metabolic syndrome (MS) consists of a cluster of diseases, including obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and high blood pressure. The purpose of the present study was to assess the association of MS with adenomas of the rectosigmoid colon, a well-established precancerous lesion. METHODS: A total of 4938 Taiwanese patients (2891 men and 2047 women with a mean age of 50.1 years), who had a physical examination at our hospital between January 2001 and October 2002, were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent a sigmoidoscopic examination to 60 cm from the anus. A modified National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) definition of MS was used in this study, in which body mass index (BMI) was substituted for the waist circumference measurement. RESULTS: Overall, 14% of patients had an elevated fasting glucose, 27% had high blood pressure, 14% had an increased triglyceride (TG) level, 8% had low high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and 18% were obese. Rectosigmoid polyps were present in 17% of patients, among whom 568 received polypectomy. Pathological findings were hyperplastic in 138 subjects, adenomas in 341, carcinomas in 10, and other benign lesions in 79. In patients without polyps, the adjusted mean TG level and calculated BMI level were lower than those in patients with adenomas. No such difference existed, however, between patients without polyps and those with hyperplastic polyps. The odds ratio of adenomas in situ as compared to either a polyp-free state or the presence of hyperplastic polyps increased significantly with the number of MS diagnostic criteria the patient exhibited. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that MS is associated with rectosigmoid adenomas in a Chinese population. In patients with rectosigmoid polyps, the coexistence of MS may portend an increased risk of adenomas.     

Predictive value of morphologic characteristics in rectosigmoid adenomatous polyps for the probability of synchronous polyps or cancer in the proximal colon.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Sigmoidoscopy is performed more frequently than colonoscopy, especially for screening purposes and searching for colorectal neoplasm. The necessity of colonoscopy in patients with an adenoma ofor=11 mm) polyps. These groups were compared regarding the presence of proximal adenoma and advanced proximal neoplasia (>10 mm adenoma and/or villous histology and/or high grade dysplasia or cancer). Polyps found in the rectum and sigmoid colon were considered as distal polyps and polyps other than these were considered as proximal polyps. RESULTS: In this study, of 1124 consecutive patients who underwent colonoscopy between April 1997 and January 2002, 184 (16%) had 258 adenomatous polyps in the rectosigmoid area. The polyps were diminutive (or=11 mm) in 33 patients. Forty-one of the patients (39%) with diminutive polyps, 20 of the patients (43%) with small polyps and 19 of the patients (57%) with large polyps had neoplasm in the proximal bowel. In these patients, advanced proximal neoplasm was found in 8 (8%), in 6 (13%) and in 11 (33%), respectively. There was no difference regarding the presence of neoplasm in the proximal colon between these groups. The rate of advanced proximal neoplasm was found to be significantly higher in the group with large polyps in the rectosigmoid area than in the groups with small and diminutive polyps (p<0.05). In 104 patients (57%) with polyp(s) in rectum and sigmoid colon, no associated polyp or cancer was encountered in the proximal colon. CONCLUSION: Colonoscopy is indicated when adenomatous polyp, regardless of size, is found on rectosigmoidoscopy performed because of symptoms.     

Acquired hyperplastic gastric polyps in solid organ transplant patients

OBJECTIVE: We report a series of patients who developed hyperplastic gastric polyps after solid organ transplantation. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with solid organ transplantation from January 1997 to December 1999 was performed. Patients with gastric polyps found during endoscopy were included. Demographic data, polyp characteristics (endoscopic and histological), time of endoscopy, and treatment regimens were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 10 (seven men, three women) transplanted patients (six cardiac, three liver, and one kidney) with gastric polyps were identified. The median age was 61 yr (27-71 yr), and median time of endoscopy after transplantation was 11 months (3-28 months). Eight patients had endoscopy before or soon after transplantation, with no evidence of polyps. Nine patients had multiple polyps (three or more), and one had a single pedunculated polyp. Polyps were confined to the antrum in eight patients, antrum and body in one patient, and fundus in one patient. All polyps biopsied were found to be hyperplastic and without adenomatous or malignant changes. Cytomegalovirus serology was negative in nine patients. Each patient received standard immunosuppression that included a calcineurin inhibitor and steroids. Steroids were tapered and stopped by 3 months. Azathioprine was added in five patients and mycophenolate mofetil in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: The development of gastric polyps after organ transplantation has not been previously reported. The development of these gastric polyps (hyperplastic and multiple) is concerning as a malignant potential has been recognized in patients harboring multiple hyperplastic gastric polyps. The exact cause of these polyps is unknown. The association with immunosuppressive therapy as well as the natural history of these acquired hyperplastic gastric polyps needs further investigation.