Tubulovillous adenoma
Encyclopedia
Tubulovillous adenoma, TVA, is a type of polyp
that grows in the colon
and other places in the gastrointestinal tract
and sometimes in other parts of the body. These adenomas may become malignant
(cancerous).
TVAs are considered to have a higher risk of malignant transformation than tubular adenomas.
Polyp (medicine)
A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane. If it is attached to the surface by a narrow elongated stalk, it is said to be pedunculated. If no stalk is present, it is said to be sessile. Polyps are commonly found in the colon, stomach, nose, sinus, urinary bladder...
that grows in the colon
Colon (anatomy)
The colon is the last part of the digestive system in most vertebrates; it extracts water and salt from solid wastes before they are eliminated from the body, and is the site in which flora-aided fermentation of unabsorbed material occurs. Unlike the small intestine, the colon does not play a...
and other places in the gastrointestinal tract
Gastrointestinal tract
The human gastrointestinal tract refers to the stomach and intestine, and sometimes to all the structures from the mouth to the anus. ....
and sometimes in other parts of the body. These adenomas may become malignant
Malignant
Malignancy is the tendency of a medical condition, especially tumors, to become progressively worse and to potentially result in death. Malignancy in cancers is characterized by anaplasia, invasiveness, and metastasis...
(cancerous).
TVAs are considered to have a higher risk of malignant transformation than tubular adenomas.
External links
- Tubulovillous adenoma entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms