|
Polyps of the
intestine are very common specimen and represent a large proportion of
the practising pathologists' workload in any part of the world.
There are many types of intestinal polyps and accurate histological
assessment is important to ensure the accurate diagnosis and
appropriate management of the patients.
Any localized lesion raised above an epithelial surface may be
regarded as a polyp. Polyps can arise from mucosal and submucosal
tissues.
Polyps can be formed as a result of abnormal mucosal maturation,
inflammation or architecture. These polyps are non-neoplastic and do
not have malignant potential per se. Examples- Hyperplastic polyps ;
Juvenile polyps ; Peutz Jeghers polyps.
The polyps that arise as a result of proliferative dysplasia are
termed as adenomatous polyps or adenomas. They are true neoplastic
lesions and are precursors of carcinoma.
In addition to adenomatous polyps a number of other neoplasms such as
carcinoid tumour, primary lymphoma, stromal tumour, Kaposi's sarcoma
and occasionally carcinoma can present as colorectal polyps.
The term polyposis should be restricted to recognizable syndromes in
which the primary feature is the presence of multiple polyps. |
