Demographic and anatomical survey of colorectal polyps in an Iranian population

Asian countries generally have low incidences of colorectal cancers (CRCs). One approach to prevention is based on recognition and removal of polyps. The aim of this study was to determine basic demographic features, anatomic distribution and characteristics of colorectal polyps in a local Asian population for comparison with western data.

We here performed a retrospective chart review of 194 patients with colorectal polyps detected by endoscopy [total colonoscopy in 136 cases (73.1%), and flexible sigmoidoscopy in the remainder] during 1992-2005, focusing on descriptive statistics for categorical variables, including distribution pattern and histology. Cold biopsy in 14 cases, piecemeal endoscopic resection in 5 patients, and usual snare polypectomy in the remainder were performed. Patients with polyposis syndromes were excluded from the analysis.

The average age of patients was 43.2 yr (range 2-80) with 71% being males. Most of the polyps were presented in 5th decade (p=0.029). A total of 32 (17.2%) had synchronous proximal polyps (15% adenomas), and 154 cases had solitary polyps. The vast majority of the polyps were left sided and the most frequent type was adenoma (63%), with a villous component in 37.1%. Coexistent cancer was seen in 10.9% of cases.

In this Iranian population, the majority of polyps are left sided. The incidence of adenomas and their histology appear comparable to data for western patients, but with a significantly lower rate for synchronous neoplastic lesions.