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Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation
Published on: September 22, 2023
Ultrasound detection of colonic polyps: perspective.
S Kuzmich1, C J Harvey, T Kuzmich
1Imaging Department, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK. siarheikuzmich@yahoo.co.uk
The British Journal of Radiology
|July 19, 2012
Summary
Ultrasound can detect colonic polyps, including early-stage colorectal cancer, during routine abdominal scans. This non-invasive method aids in preventing cancer by identifying precursor adenomas and malignant lesions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is preventable through early detection and removal of precursor adenomas.
- While not a primary screening tool, ultrasound can incidentally detect colonic polyps during abdominal examinations.
- Early detection of malignant polyps can lead to curative interventions, reducing CRC incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the experience of sonographic detection of colonic polyps.
- To highlight the sonographic features of various colonic polyp types.
- To encourage broader adoption of ultrasound for colonic polyp detection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 43 adult patients over a 2-year period.
- Sonographic detection of colonic polyps during routine abdominal or pelvic examinations.
- Focused colon inspection using a 6-10 MHz linear transducer.
Main Results:
- Fifty colonic polyps were discovered, with 4 malignant lesions identified.
- Other detected polyps included 3 hyperplastic, 1 hamartomatous, and several benign adenomas.
- Detected polyps ranged from 1.3 cm to 4.0 cm (mean 1.7 cm).
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound is a valuable, non-invasive tool for detecting colonic polyps, including malignant ones.
- Incidental sonographic findings of colonic polyps can contribute to CRC prevention.
- Increased observer awareness of sonographic polyp features can improve detection rates.
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