Correlation of the morphology and size of colonic polyps with their histology

Colonic adenomatous polyps are premalignant lesions; early recognition and use of a polypectomy for these polyps can reduce the occurrence of colorectal cancer. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the complications of polypectomy and the relationship between the morphology and size of colonic polyps and their histology.

Data on colonic polyps from 324 patients who received a polypectomy between April 1998 and December 2001 were collected. These included 207 men and 117 women, ranging in age between 17 and 86 years old, and who had had a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopic examination. A polypectomy was performed on those colonic polyps discovered, and their morphology, size, and histology were analyzed.

The histological findings of these polyps included adenoma, carcinoma, hyperplastic, and inflammatory polyps. One and a half percent (n = 6) were carcinomas, all of which belonged to the Yamada III or IV polyp group and were more than 1 cm in size, except for 1 polyp which was 0.7 cm. One case was complicated by colon perforation, and 2 cases experienced mild bleeding with no need for a blood transfusion or hospitalization.

Morphology and size are closely related to the malignant change in colonic polyps. Colonic polyps with a size greater than 1 cm and classified as Yamada type III or IV have a higher potential for malignant change, and a polypectomy should be considered when they are discovered. A polypectomy is a safe procedure with only minor complications.