Metaplastic polyps and polyposis of the colorectum

Five hundred and fifty-four colorectal metaplastic polyps have been studied histologically. Whilst most lesions were small and sessile, 16.1% measured greater than 0.5 cm in diameter and 0.9% were greater than 1 cm. The larger polyps were frequently pedunculated and occasionally showed a tubulo-villous or villous pattern. A structural similarity between the larger metaplastic polyps and colorectal adenomas is illustrated and the importance of the distinction of metaplastic from dysplastic epithelium in the differentiation of these lesions is stressed. Other unusual features of metaplastic polyps are described. Evidence is given to suggest that males have a greater propensity to develop metaplastic polyps than females. A search for metaplastic-like areas in other colorectal polyps revealed that they are rare (0.6%) in adenomas, but relatively frequent (20.8%) in juvenile polyps. Finally, seven patients with multiple metaplastic polyps of the colorectum are described, in whom a diagnosis of adenomatous polyposis had been made at some stage in their management. Six of the seven patients were males and the mean age at presentation was 37.4 years. Larger metaplastic polyps were frequent in these cases. The necessity for histological confirmation in all cases of intestinal polyposis is stressed, and the possibility that 'metaplastic polyposis' is a pathological entity is discussed.