Villous adenoma: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 10: Line 10:


==Historical Perspective==
==Historical Perspective==
Villous adenoma was first discovered by Helwig in 1946.<ref name=":0">Helwig E.B. Adenoma of the large bowel in children. . American Journal of Diseases in Children. 1946;72:289–95</ref>
Villous adenoma was first discovered by Helwig in 1946.


==Classification==
==Classification==
[[Colon polyps|Colon polyp]]<nowiki/>s are classified into 3 subtypes according to their histological appearance:<ref name="pmid19764676">{{cite journal |vauthors=Osifo OD, Akhiwu W, Efobi CA |title=Small intestinal tubulovillous adenoma--case report and literature review |journal=Niger J Clin Pract |volume=12 |issue=2 |pages=205–7 |year=2009 |pmid=19764676 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
[[Colon polyps|Colon polyp]]<nowiki/>s are classified into 3 subtypes according to their histological appearance:
 
 
*[[Tubular]]
*[[Tubular]]
*Tubulovillous
*Tubulovillous
*[[Villous carcinoma|Villous]]  
*[[Villous carcinoma|Villous]]  
Villous adenoma is classified into 4 types according to the gross appearance:<ref name="ShussmanWexner2014">{{cite journal|last1=Shussman|first1=N.|last2=Wexner|first2=S. D.|title=Colorectal polyps and polyposis syndromes|journal=Gastroenterology Report|volume=2|issue=1|year=2014|pages=1–15|issn=2052-0034|doi=10.1093/gastro/got041}}</ref>
Villous adenoma is classified into 4 types according to the gross appearance:
* Flat
* Flat
* Sessile
* Sessile
Line 28: Line 30:
==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
===Pathogenesis===
===Pathogenesis===
* Villous adenoma is a type of colon polyp.<ref name="pmid18314605">{{cite journal |vauthors=Rüschoff J, Aust D, Hartmann A |title=[Colorectal serrated adenoma: diagnostic criteria and clinical implications] |language=German |journal=Verh Dtsch Ges Pathol |volume=91 |issue= |pages=119–25 |year=2007 |pmid=18314605 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="ShussmanWexner2014">{{cite journal|last1=Shussman|first1=N.|last2=Wexner|first2=S. D.|title=Colorectal polyps and polyposis syndromes|journal=Gastroenterology Report|volume=2|issue=1|year=2014|pages=1–15|issn=2052-0034|doi=10.1093/gastro/got041}}</ref><ref name="SinghZorrón Cheng Tao Pu2016">{{cite journal|last1=Singh|first1=Rajvinder|last2=Zorrón Cheng Tao Pu|first2=Leonardo|last3=Koay|first3=Doreen|last4=Burt|first4=Alastair|title=Sessile serrated adenoma/polyps: Where are we at in 2016?|journal=World Journal of Gastroenterology|volume=22|issue=34|year=2016|pages=7754|issn=1007-9327|doi=10.3748/wjg.v22.i34.7754}}</ref><ref name="KahiVemulapalli2015">{{cite journal|last1=Kahi|first1=Charles J.|last2=Vemulapalli|first2=Krishna C.|last3=Snover|first3=Dale C.|last4=Abdel Jawad|first4=Khaled H.|last5=Cummings|first5=Oscar W.|last6=Rex|first6=Douglas K.|title=Findings in the Distal Colorectum Are Not Associated With Proximal Advanced Serrated Lesions|journal=Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology|volume=13|issue=2|year=2015|pages=345–351|issn=15423565|doi=10.1016/j.cgh.2014.07.044}}</ref>
* Villous adenoma is a type of colon polyp.
* The pathogenesis of villous adenoma is characterized by overgrowth of [[epithelial]] tissue with [[glandular]] characteristics.<ref name="pmid19764676">{{cite journal |vauthors=Osifo OD, Akhiwu W, Efobi CA |title=Small intestinal tubulovillous adenoma--case report and literature review |journal=Niger J Clin Pract |volume=12 |issue=2 |pages=205–7 |year=2009 |pmid=19764676 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid29262150">{{cite journal| author=| title=StatPearls | journal= | year= 2018 | volume=  | issue=  | pages=  | pmid=29262150 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref>
* The pathogenesis of villous adenoma is characterized by overgrowth of [[epithelial]] tissue with [[glandular]] characteristics.
* [[Dysplasia|Dysplastic]] changes are present in the adenomas.
* [[Dysplasia|Dysplastic]] changes are present in the adenomas.
* Multiple genetic [[Mutation|mutations]] result in the transition from normal [[Mucous membrane|mucosa]] to adenoma to severe [[dysplasia]] and finally to [[carcinoma]].
* Multiple genetic [[Mutation|mutations]] result in the transition from normal [[Mucous membrane|mucosa]] to adenoma to severe [[dysplasia]] and finally to [[carcinoma]].
* Low grade or high-grade [[dysplasia]], which indicates the level of maturation of the epithelium determine the progression of the adenoma.
* Low grade or high-grade [[dysplasia]], which indicates the level of maturation of the epithelium determine the progression of the adenoma.
* Features of low grade dysplasia are:
* Features of low grade dysplasia are:
** The cytological features include crowded, pseudo-stratification to early stratification of spindled or elongated [[Cell nucleus|nuclei]] which occupy the basal half of the [[cytoplasm]].<ref name="pmid12725874">{{cite journal| author=Costantini M, Sciallero S, Giannini A, Gatteschi B, Rinaldi P, Lanzanova G et al.| title=Interobserver agreement in the histologic diagnosis of colorectal polyps. the experience of the multicenter adenoma colorectal study (SMAC). | journal=J Clin Epidemiol | year= 2003 | volume= 56 | issue= 3 | pages= 209-14 | pmid=12725874 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12725874  }} </ref>
** The cytological features include crowded, pseudo-stratification to early stratification of spindled or elongated [[Cell nucleus|nuclei]] which occupy the basal half of the [[cytoplasm]].
** [[Pleomorphism]] and atypical [[Mitosis|mitoses]] are absent.
** [[Pleomorphism]] and atypical [[Mitosis|mitoses]] are absent.
** The crypts maintain a resemblance to normal colon, without significant crowding, cribriform, or complex forms.The lesions are confined to the epithelial layer of crypts and lack invasion through the [[basement membrane]] into the [[lamina propria]].  
** The crypts maintain a resemblance to normal colon, without significant crowding, cribriform, or complex forms.The lesions are confined to the epithelial layer of crypts and lack invasion through the [[basement membrane]] into the [[lamina propria]].  
Line 41: Line 43:
** The cytological features include increased nucleus to cytoplasm ratio, more significant loss of polarity and nuclei with increasingly prominent [[nucleoli]].  
** The cytological features include increased nucleus to cytoplasm ratio, more significant loss of polarity and nuclei with increasingly prominent [[nucleoli]].  
** Significant [[pleomorphism]], rounded nuclei, atypical mitoses, and significant loss of polarity.  
** Significant [[pleomorphism]], rounded nuclei, atypical mitoses, and significant loss of polarity.  
** The crypts are cribriform and crowded with back-to-back [[glandular]] tissue <ref name="pmid30348703">{{cite journal| author=Rubio CA| title=Preliminary Report: Multiple Clusters of Proliferating Cells in Non-dysplastic Corrupted Colonic Crypts Underneath Conventional Adenomas. | journal=In Vivo | year= 2018 | volume= 32 | issue= 6 | pages= 1473-1475 | pmid=30348703 | doi=10.21873/invivo.11401 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=30348703  }} </ref>.
** The crypts are cribriform and crowded with back-to-back [[glandular]] tissue.
** These adenomas have a significant risk of metastasis as the lesions can invade into the lamina propria through basement membrane destruction.
** These adenomas have a significant risk of metastasis as the lesions can invade into the lamina propria through basement membrane destruction.
* Villous adenoma can lead to [[adenocarcinoma]] of the colon.
* Villous adenoma can lead to [[adenocarcinoma]] of the colon.
* The progression of adenoma-to-carcinoma is dependent on the activation of [[Oncogene|oncogenes]] and inactivation of [[Tumor suppressor gene|tumor suppressor genes]].<ref name="pmid15386327">{{cite journal| author=Komuta K, Batts K, Jessurun J, Snover D, Garcia-Aguilar J, Rothenberger D et al.| title=Interobserver variability in the pathological assessment of malignant colorectal polyps. | journal=Br J Surg | year= 2004 | volume= 91 | issue= 11 | pages= 1479-84 | pmid=15386327 | doi=10.1002/bjs.4588 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=15386327  }} </ref>
* The progression of adenoma-to-carcinoma is dependent on the activation of [[Oncogene|oncogenes]] and inactivation of [[Tumor suppressor gene|tumor suppressor genes]].  
* Multiple genetic mutations result in the transition from normal mucosa to adenoma to severe dysplasia and finally to carcinoma.
* Multiple genetic mutations result in the transition from normal mucosa to adenoma to severe dysplasia and finally to carcinoma.
* The genes involved in adenoma formation are:
* The genes involved in adenoma formation are:
Line 69: Line 71:
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
===Prevalence===
===Prevalence===
* The [[prevalence]] of villous adenoma is approximately 3.5 per 100,000 individuals worldwide.<ref name="pmid15666099">{{cite journal |vauthors=Giacosa A, Frascio F, Munizzi F |title=Epidemiology of colorectal polyps |journal=Tech Coloproctol |volume=8 Suppl 2 |issue= |pages=s243–7 |year=2004 |pmid=15666099 |doi=10.1007/s10151-004-0169-y |url=}}</ref>  
* The [[prevalence]] of villous adenoma is approximately 3.5 per 100,000 individuals worldwide.   


===Age===
===Age===
Line 84: Line 86:


==Risk Factors==
==Risk Factors==
Common risk factors in the development of villous adenoma include<ref name="pmid30370516">{{cite journal| author=Jin Y, Yao L, Zhou P, Jin S, Wang X, Tang X et al.| title=[Risk analysis of the canceration of colorectal large polyps]. | journal=Zhonghua Wei Chang Wai Ke Za Zhi | year= 2018 | volume= 21 | issue= 10 | pages= 1161-1166 | pmid=30370516 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=30370516  }} </ref><ref name="pmid12376501">{{cite journal |vauthors=Morimoto LM, Newcomb PA, Ulrich CM, Bostick RM, Lais CJ, Potter JD |title=Risk factors for hyperplastic and adenomatous polyps: evidence for malignant potential? |journal=Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev. |volume=11 |issue=10 Pt 1 |pages=1012–8 |year=2002 |pmid=12376501 |doi= |url=}}</ref>:
Common risk factors in the development of villous adenoma include:
* Age more than 50 years
* Age more than 50 years
* African American race
* African American race
Line 107: Line 109:
== Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis==
== Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis==
===Natural History===
===Natural History===
* The majority of patients with villous adenoma remain asymptomatic for years.<ref name="Bonnington2016">{{cite journal|last1=Bonnington|first1=Stewart N|title=Surveillance of colonic polyps: Are we getting it right?|journal=World Journal of Gastroenterology|volume=22|issue=6|year=2016|pages=1925|issn=1007-9327|doi=10.3748/wjg.v22.i6.1925}}</ref>
* The majority of patients with villous adenoma remain asymptomatic for years.
* They are usually found accidentally on routine [[Colonoscopy|colonoscopic]] surveillance.
* They are usually found accidentally on routine [[Colonoscopy|colonoscopic]] surveillance.
* Early clinical features may include [[flatulence]], [[bloating]], and [[abdominal pain]].
* Early clinical features may include [[flatulence]], [[bloating]], and [[abdominal pain]].
* If left untreated, patients with villous adenoma may progress to develop [[colorectal cancer]].<ref name="pmid19764676">{{cite journal |vauthors=Osifo OD, Akhiwu W, Efobi CA |title=Small intestinal tubulovillous adenoma--case report and literature review |journal=Niger J Clin Pract |volume=12 |issue=2 |pages=205–7 |year=2009 |pmid=19764676 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
* If left untreated, patients with villous adenoma may progress to develop [[colorectal cancer]].
* The patients may have a previous history of [[colon polyps]].
* The patients may have a previous history of [[colon polyps]].
* Family history of [[Colorectal cancer|colon cancer]] or [[colon polyps]].
* Family history of [[Colorectal cancer|colon cancer]] or [[colon polyps]].
Line 121: Line 123:


===Prognosis===
===Prognosis===
* The prognosis of villous adenoma is generally good and the 5-year mortality is approximately 89%.<ref name="BettingtonWalker2013">{{cite journal|last1=Bettington|first1=Mark|last2=Walker|first2=Neal|last3=Clouston|first3=Andrew|last4=Brown|first4=Ian|last5=Leggett|first5=Barbara|last6=Whitehall|first6=Vicki|title=The serrated pathway to colorectal carcinoma: current concepts and challenges|journal=Histopathology|volume=62|issue=3|year=2013|pages=367–386|issn=03090167|doi=10.1111/his.12055}}</ref>
* The prognosis of villous adenoma is generally good and the 5-year mortality is approximately 89%.
* Prognosis becomes poor with [[malignant]] transformation of the lesion.  
* Prognosis becomes poor with [[malignant]] transformation of the lesion.  
* Multiple villous adenomas may suggest [[Genetic disorder|genetic disorders]] and prognosis is poor in these cases.
* Multiple villous adenomas may suggest [[Genetic disorder|genetic disorders]] and prognosis is poor in these cases.
Line 128: Line 130:


=== Diagnostic study of choice ===
=== Diagnostic study of choice ===
* [[Biopsy]] of the lesion is the diagnostic study of choice<ref name="ShussmanWexner2014">{{cite journal|last1=Shussman|first1=N.|last2=Wexner|first2=S. D.|title=Colorectal polyps and polyposis syndromes|journal=Gastroenterology Report|volume=2|issue=1|year=2014|pages=1–15|issn=2052-0034|doi=10.1093/gastro/got041}}</ref>.
* [[Biopsy]] of the lesion is the diagnostic study of choice.
* Villous adenoma is detected on [[colonoscopy]] or [[sigmoidoscopy]].
* Villous adenoma is detected on [[colonoscopy]] or [[sigmoidoscopy]].


=== History and Symptoms ===
=== History and Symptoms ===
Villous adenoma is commonly asymptomatic but sometimes patients may present with the following symptoms:<ref name="JohnsonKisiel2017">{{cite journal|last1=Johnson|first1=David H.|last2=Kisiel|first2=John B.|last3=Burger|first3=Kelli N.|last4=Mahoney|first4=Douglas W.|last5=Devens|first5=Mary E.|last6=Ahlquist|first6=David A.|last7=Sweetser|first7=Seth|title=Multitarget stool DNA test: clinical performance and impact on yield and quality of colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening|journal=Gastrointestinal Endoscopy|volume=85|issue=3|year=2017|pages=657–665.e1|issn=00165107|doi=10.1016/j.gie.2016.11.012}}</ref><ref name="ShussmanWexner2014">{{cite journal|last1=Shussman|first1=N.|last2=Wexner|first2=S. D.|title=Colorectal polyps and polyposis syndromes|journal=Gastroenterology Report|volume=2|issue=1|year=2014|pages=1–15|issn=2052-0034|doi=10.1093/gastro/got041}}</ref>
Villous adenoma is commonly asymptomatic but sometimes patients may present with the following symptoms:
*[[Flatulence]]
*[[Flatulence]]
*[[Abdominal pain]]
*[[Abdominal pain]]
Line 153: Line 155:
Laboratory findings associated with villous adenoma are:
Laboratory findings associated with villous adenoma are:
* Positive [[fecal occult blood test]]
* Positive [[fecal occult blood test]]
* [[Hypokalemia]]<ref name="wiki">Villous adenoma. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villous_adenoma Accessed on May 3, 2016 </ref>
* [[Hypokalemia]]
* [[Anemia]]
* [[Anemia]]


Line 179: Line 181:
* There is no medical therapy for villous adenoma.
* There is no medical therapy for villous adenoma.
* Surgical removal of the adenoma is the mainstay of treatment.
* Surgical removal of the adenoma is the mainstay of treatment.
* However, [[aspirin]] 75mg PO per day is recommended to prevent recurrence of the adenoma and progression to colorectal cancer.<ref name="pmid27064573">{{cite journal |vauthors=Dehmer SP, Maciosek MV, Flottemesch TJ, LaFrance AB, Whitlock EP |title=Aspirin for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Colorectal Cancer: A Decision Analysis for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force |journal=Ann. Intern. Med. |volume=164 |issue=12 |pages=777–86 |year=2016 |pmid=27064573 |doi=10.7326/M15-2129 |url=}}</ref>
* However, [[aspirin]] 75mg PO per day is recommended to prevent recurrence of the adenoma and progression to colorectal cancer.


=== Surgery ===
=== Surgery ===
* Surgical removal is the mainstay of therapy for villous adenoma.<ref name="Winawer2015">{{cite journal|last1=Winawer|first1=Sidney J.|title=The History of Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Personal Perspective|journal=Digestive Diseases and Sciences|volume=60|issue=3|year=2015|pages=596–608|issn=0163-2116|doi=10.1007/s10620-014-3466-y}}</ref><ref name="RameshshankerWilson2016">{{cite journal|last1=Rameshshanker|first1=R.|last2=Wilson|first2=Ana|title=Electronic Imaging in Colonoscopy: Clinical Applications and Future Prospects|journal=Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology|volume=14|issue=1|year=2016|pages=140–151|issn=1092-8472|doi=10.1007/s11938-016-0075-1}}</ref>
* Surgical removal is the mainstay of therapy for villous adenoma.
* The removal of adenoma is known as [[polypectomy]] and is done through [[colonoscopy]] by [[Endoscopy|endoscopic]] forceps snare.
* The removal of adenoma is known as [[polypectomy]] and is done through [[colonoscopy]] by [[Endoscopy|endoscopic]] forceps snare.
* The removed adenoma must be sent for [[biopsy]].
* The removed adenoma must be sent for [[biopsy]].
Line 205: Line 207:
===Secondary Prevention===
===Secondary Prevention===
[[Aspirin]] 75mg PO daily.
[[Aspirin]] 75mg PO daily.
* Annual [[Fecal occult blood|fecal occult blood test]]<ref name="pmid22763141">{{cite journal| author=Lieberman DA, Rex DK, Winawer SJ, Giardiello FM, Johnson DA, Levin TR| title=Guidelines for colonoscopy surveillance after screening and polypectomy: a consensus update by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. | journal=Gastroenterology | year= 2012 | volume= 143 | issue= 3 | pages= 844-857 | pmid=22763141 | doi=10.1053/j.gastro.2012.06.001 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22763141  }} </ref>
* Annual [[Fecal occult blood|fecal occult blood test]]
* [[Colonoscopy]] every ten years for patients above the age of 50 with no family history of [[Colorectal cancer|colon cancer]] or no history of [[colon polyps]]
* [[Colonoscopy]] every ten years for patients above the age of 50 with no family history of [[Colorectal cancer|colon cancer]] or no history of [[colon polyps]]
* [[Colonoscopy]] at the age of 40 or 10 years before the age of [[cancer]] diagnosis in a relative with [[Colorectal cancer|colon cancer]] and repeat every 3-5 years
* [[Colonoscopy]] at the age of 40 or 10 years before the age of [[cancer]] diagnosis in a relative with [[Colorectal cancer|colon cancer]] and repeat every 3-5 years

Revision as of 18:19, 22 May 2019



Villous adenoma Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Xyz from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Study of Choice

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Electrocardiogram

X-ray

Echocardiography and Ultrasound

CT scan

MRI

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Interventions

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Villous adenoma On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Villous adenoma

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Villous adenoma

CDC on Villous adenoma

Villous adenoma in the news

Blogs on Villous adenoma

Directions to Hospitals Treating Psoriasis

Risk calculators and risk factors for Villous adenoma

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Jogeet Singh Sekhon, M.D. [2] Maria Fernanda Villarreal, M.D. [3]

Synonyms and keywords: Adenomatous polyps; VA; TVA

Overview

Villous adenoma (also known as adenomatous polyp) is a type of polyp that grows in the gastrointestinal tract; it occurs most commonly in the colon. Villous adenoma may result in malignanttransformation. Villous adenoma was first discovered by Helwig in 1946. Villous adenoma may be classified into flat, sessile, pedunculated and depressed subtypes. Villous adenoma arises from epithelial tissue, which is normally part of the lining of the colon. Genes associated with the development of villous adenoma include APC, TP53, K-ras, STK11 and SMAD4. The prevalence of villous adenoma is approximately 3.5 per 100,000 individuals worldwide. The most potent risk factors in the development of villous adenoma include familial syndromes such as Turcot syndrome, juvenile polyposis syndrome, and Cowden disease. Surgical removal is the mainstay of therapy for villous adenoma. Exploratory colonoscopy and cautery snare is the most common approach to the diagnosis and treatment of villous adenoma. Effective measures for the primary prevention of villous adenoma include periodic screening of patients with family history of familial adenomatous polyposis. Secondary prevention strategies include annual occult blood test and colonoscopy.

Historical Perspective

Villous adenoma was first discovered by Helwig in 1946.

Classification

Colon polyps are classified into 3 subtypes according to their histological appearance:


Villous adenoma is classified into 4 types according to the gross appearance:

  • Flat
  • Sessile
  • Pedunculated
  • Depressed

Villous adenoma is classified into 2 types according to dysplasia:

  • Low grade dysplasia
  • High grade dysplasia

Pathophysiology

Pathogenesis

  • Villous adenoma is a type of colon polyp.
  • The pathogenesis of villous adenoma is characterized by overgrowth of epithelial tissue with glandular characteristics.
  • Dysplastic changes are present in the adenomas.
  • Multiple genetic mutations result in the transition from normal mucosa to adenoma to severe dysplasia and finally to carcinoma.
  • Low grade or high-grade dysplasia, which indicates the level of maturation of the epithelium determine the progression of the adenoma.
  • Features of low grade dysplasia are:
    • The cytological features include crowded, pseudo-stratification to early stratification of spindled or elongated nuclei which occupy the basal half of the cytoplasm.
    • Pleomorphism and atypical mitoses are absent.
    • The crypts maintain a resemblance to normal colon, without significant crowding, cribriform, or complex forms.The lesions are confined to the epithelial layer of crypts and lack invasion through the basement membrane into the lamina propria.
    • As there are no lymphatic vessels in the lamina propria, lesions with low grade dysplasia are not associated with metastasis.
  • Features of high grade dysplasia are:
    • The cytological features include increased nucleus to cytoplasm ratio, more significant loss of polarity and nuclei with increasingly prominent nucleoli.
    • Significant pleomorphism, rounded nuclei, atypical mitoses, and significant loss of polarity.
    • The crypts are cribriform and crowded with back-to-back glandular tissue.
    • These adenomas have a significant risk of metastasis as the lesions can invade into the lamina propria through basement membrane destruction.
  • Villous adenoma can lead to adenocarcinoma of the colon.
  • The progression of adenoma-to-carcinoma is dependent on the activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes.
  • Multiple genetic mutations result in the transition from normal mucosa to adenoma to severe dysplasia and finally to carcinoma.
  • The genes involved in adenoma formation are:
  • Villous adenomas may cause secretory diarrhea characterized by hypokalemia, chloride-rich stool, and metabolic alkalosis. Increased numbers of goblet cells and increased prostaglandin E2 are responsible for the diarrhea.
Colon adenoma By No machine-readable author provided. KGH assumed (based on copyright claims). - No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=444694


Causes

The cause of villous adenoma is not yet identified.

Differentiating Villous Adenoma from Other Diseases

Villous adenoma must be differentiated from other diseases that cause abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane such as:

  • Colorectal cancer
  • Inflammatory fibroid polyp
  • Tubular adenoma
  • Tubulovillous adenoma
  • Hyperplastic polyp

Epidemiology and Demographics

Prevalence

  • The prevalence of villous adenoma is approximately 3.5 per 100,000 individuals worldwide.

Age

  • Patients of all age groups may develop villous adenoma but the risk increases with age.

Gender

  • Males are more commonly affected with villous adenoma than females.

Race

  • African Americans are more prone to develop villous adenoma.

Region

  • Villous adenomas is common worldwide and has no regional predilection.

Risk Factors

Common risk factors in the development of villous adenoma include:

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Natural History

Complications

Common complications of villous adenoma include:

Prognosis

  • The prognosis of villous adenoma is generally good and the 5-year mortality is approximately 89%.
  • Prognosis becomes poor with malignant transformation of the lesion.
  • Multiple villous adenomas may suggest genetic disorders and prognosis is poor in these cases.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic study of choice

History and Symptoms

Villous adenoma is commonly asymptomatic but sometimes patients may present with the following symptoms:

Physical Examination

Patients with villous adenoma usually appear well but may have the following signs on examination.

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory findings associated with villous adenoma are:

Electrocardiogram

X-ray

Echocardiography or Ultrasound

CT scan

MRI

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

On colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, villous adenoma is visualised as a polyp.

Alternative imaging studies include:

Treatment

Medical Therapy

  • There is no medical therapy for villous adenoma.
  • Surgical removal of the adenoma is the mainstay of treatment.
  • However, aspirin 75mg PO per day is recommended to prevent recurrence of the adenoma and progression to colorectal cancer.

Surgery

  • Surgical removal is the mainstay of therapy for villous adenoma.
  • The removal of adenoma is known as polypectomy and is done through colonoscopy by endoscopic forceps snare.
  • The removed adenoma must be sent for biopsy.

{{#ev:youtube|ClgRkyhaJZw}}

Primary Prevention

Effective measures for the primary prevention of villous adenoma include:

Secondary Prevention

Aspirin 75mg PO daily.

References