Flat adenoma of the colon: two cases

Flat adenoma has been frequently reported to have a higher potential for malignant change than other polypoid adenomas. It is an endoscopically visible sessile lesion that consists histologically of an adenomatous change of the colonic mucosa. Detection, diagnosis, and treatment of flat adenoma has not previously been reported in Taiwan. We found such lesions in two patients during colonoscopic examinations as patches of discolored and irregular mucosa. Histopathologic studies revealed adenomas with mild to moderate dysplasia. Patient 1 underwent segmental colectomy; patient 2 underwent an endoscopic strip biopsy. Focal malignant changes were noted in patient 1. Both patients received close follow-up at the outpatient clinic. No recurrence has been seen in patient 1. Patient 2 developed an enlarged sessile lesion with a histologic picture showing a tubular adenoma without malignancy but refused further surgical treatment. This paper outlines the endoscopic and pathologic characteristics of flat adenoma in two patients, and should alert physicians to the importance of early detection and treatment of this lesion.