The value of tissue mucin changes and CEA content in evaluation of benign colonic adenomas

A combined histopathologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical study of benign colorectal adenomas is presented. Specimens of 39 adenomas were studied by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stain, alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff (AB-PAS), and high-iron-diamine-alcian blue (HID-AB). Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was demonstrated by peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) technique. Variable amounts of neutral mucin and decreased sulfated acid mucin content, as well as increased CEA content, were found in the dysplastic epithelium of benign colonic adenomas. These changes were not seen in normal colonic mucosa. It is suggested that the above-mentioned methods may represent an aid in the evaluation of malignant potential of benign polyps.