Chapter.10- The G.I System Flashcards
What are the most common type of non-neoplastic polyp?
Hyperplastic polyps
What are hyperplastic polyps?
Benign lesions most often found in rectosigmoid region
What are hamartomas?
Developmental abnormalities in which the normal components of the tissue aggregate in an abnormal manner. These involve Peutz-Jeghers polyps and Juvinile polyps
Classification of Intestinal Tumors
- ) Non-neoplastic polyps: hyperplastic polyp, inflammatory polyp, juvinile polyp, Peutz-Jeghers polyp, lymphoid polyp
- ) Benign neoplasms: tubular adenoma, villious adenoma, benign stromal tumors
- )Malignant neoplasms: adenocarcinoma, carcinoid lymphoma, sarcoma
What are inflammatory polyps?
Known as pseudopolyps. Represent multiple fragments or regenerating mucosa surrounded by broad ulcers
What do neoplastic polyps consist of?

Neoplastic epithelium that show no evidence of differentiation
What are neoplastic polyps classified as?
Tubular, villous, and tubulovilous adenomas
All are considered pre-malignant because they can progress to adenocarcinoma
What are tubular adenomas?
Most common, account for 75% of neoplastic polyps.
Typically attached to the stoma by a stalk
What are villious adenomas?
Sessile, broad based tumors, composed of epithelial cells alligned into elongated villi. They project into the lumen of the intestine. forming finger like protrusions. Invasive carcinoma is found in alomst 50% of these tumors.
Peak incidence (age) for colorectal cancer
Between 50-70 years of age
Adenocarcinoma accounts for % of intestinal cancers
95%
Incidence of colorectal cancer
- 10x more common in USA and Western countries than in Asia
- Most cases occur spontaneously with no identifyable risk factor
- 20% genetic
Where are adenocarcinomas found in the intestine?
-May develop in any part, but most commonly found in the left part of the intestinal loops
- 45% in recto-sigmoid area
- 25% in cecum an ascending colon
- 30% in remaining part of the colon
Most adenocarcinomas originate as
neoplastic polyps
Tumors from the right colon tend to grow as…
fungating masses, or ulcerated, shallow cratorlike lesions
How do adenocarcinomas of the sigmoid or rectum present?
They infiltrate the intestine circumferentially, producing “napkin ring” circumferential narrowing
What is the 5 year survival rate for stage 4 colorecta cancer?

Less than 10%
Early symptoms of adenocarcinoma
May produce no symptoms at all, may be diagnosed by screening (endoscopy, biopsy, or occult blood)
Clinical symptoms of left sided adenocarcinoma of the colon
Left sided lesions, especially the rectum, tend to narrow the passage of stool=constipation, thin pencil like stools
Hematochezia may occur, but in advanced lesions
Symptoms of adenocarcinoma of the right colon and cecum
Tend to be silent or non specific (weakness or fatigue)
Chronic blood loss may cause anemia
What tumor marker is used in the monitoring of patients with colorectal cancer?
CEA (Carcino-embryonic antigen)
Not useful in diagnosis since it can be released by non-specific intestinal inflammations, but
What are carcinoids?
term used for neuroendocrine tumors of low malignancy
Where are carcinoids located in the GI tract?
Can occur in all intra-abdominal parts of the GI tract
Most common in the small intestine
located in the sub-mucosa where they form nodules, elevating the lower mucosa




















