Management of the malignant colorectal polyp: the importance of clinicopathological correlation

The results of management of colorectal adenomas removed endoscopically and found to contain invasive cancer seen in a single institution over a 10 year period are presented. Clinical data were obtained retrospectively from patient case notes and all specimens were reviewed by one pathologist. Fifty-four patients with malignant polyps were studied after exclusion of others with polypoid carcinomas, epithelial misplacement and cases managed by primary segmental resection. Of the various considered predictors of adverse outcome, only histologically incomplete excision proved significant. However, when excision was considered macroscopically complete there was no significant association between incomplete histological excision and adverse outcome. Consideration should be given to conservative management of such cases.