From the Guidelines
A tubular adenoma is a type of benign (non-cancerous) polyp that grows in the colon or rectum, characterized by its tubular microscopic structure, with glandular tissue arranged in tube-like formations, and is considered a precancerous lesion with potential to develop into colorectal cancer if left untreated.
Definition and Characteristics
Tubular adenomas are the most common type of adenomatous polyp found during colonoscopies, accounting for about 80% of all adenomas detected 1. They are typically removed completely through polypectomy when discovered during a colonoscopy.
Risk of Malignant Transformation
The risk of malignant transformation depends on several factors including the size of the adenoma (larger than 1 cm poses higher risk), the presence of high-grade dysplasia (abnormal cell growth), and whether there are multiple polyps 1.
Follow-up and Surveillance
After removal, patients usually require follow-up colonoscopies at intervals determined by the number, size, and characteristics of the polyps found, generally ranging from 3-10 years, with specific guidelines provided by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer 1.
Associated Factors
The development of tubular adenomas is associated with age, family history of colorectal polyps or cancer, certain genetic conditions, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, high-fat diet, and obesity 1.
Clinical Importance
While tubular adenomas are benign, their removal during colonoscopy is safe and seems to be better accepted by patients, removing them as a clinical concern, and colonoscopy has an important benefit over other screening methods because of its ability to detect and remove both advanced and non-advanced adenomas 1.
From the Research
Definition of Tubular Adenoma
- A tubular adenoma is a type of polyp found in the colon or rectum, characterized by its tubular shape and adenomatous histology 2, 3.
- Adenomatous polyps, including tubular adenomas, have the potential to become malignant over time 4, 5.
- Tubular adenomas are typically benign, but they can be a precursor to colorectal cancer if left untreated 6, 3.
Characteristics of Tubular Adenoma
- Tubular adenomas are usually solitary lesions, but they can also occur in multiple numbers, especially in cases of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) 2.
- They are typically found in the colon or rectum, and can be detected through colonoscopy or other imaging modalities 4, 6.
- The diagnosis of tubular adenoma is usually made through histopathological examination of the polyp tissue, which can be obtained through biopsy or polypectomy 3.
Clinical Significance of Tubular Adenoma
- The presence of a tubular adenoma can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer, especially if the polyp is large or has high-grade dysplasia 5, 3.
- The removal of tubular adenomas through polypectomy or other endoscopic methods can help prevent the development of colorectal cancer 4, 2.
- Patients with a history of tubular adenoma may require regular surveillance colonoscopies to monitor for the development of new polyps or cancer 5, 6.