[Pathologic anatomy of polypoid processes of the colon and rectum]

Among the different polypous lesions the adenoma does have special importance because of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. A carcinoma of the colon should be diagnosed only when atypical epithelial formations can be found infiltrating the submucosa. The diagnosis of different stages of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence can definitely be established only by histological investigation of the polyp, which has been taken out completely. Endoscopic polypectomy has today a definite place in therapy of colorectal carcinoma, if selection criteria are strict, histological technique perfect, and postoperative follow-up regularly.