Villous adenoma
Encyclopedia
Villous adenoma 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). Villous adenomas have been demonstrated to contain malignant portions in about one third of affected persons, and invasive malignancy in another one third of removed specimens. Lower anterior resection
is performed for large lesions. These can also lead to secretory diarrhoea with large volume liquid stools with few formed elements. They are commonly described as secreting large amounts of mucus, resulting in hypokalaemia in patients. On endoscopy a "cauliflower' like mass is described due villi stretching. Being an adenoma, the mass is covered in columnar epithelial tissue.
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). Villous adenomas have been demonstrated to contain malignant portions in about one third of affected persons, and invasive malignancy in another one third of removed specimens. Lower anterior resection
Lower anterior resection
A lower anterior resection, formally known as anterior resection of the rectum and anterior excision of the rectum or simply anterior resection , is a common surgery for rectal cancer and occasionally is performed to remove a diseased or ruptured portion of the intestine in cases of diverticulitis...
is performed for large lesions. These can also lead to secretory diarrhoea with large volume liquid stools with few formed elements. They are commonly described as secreting large amounts of mucus, resulting in hypokalaemia in patients. On endoscopy a "cauliflower' like mass is described due villi stretching. Being an adenoma, the mass is covered in columnar epithelial tissue.
External links
- Villous adenoma entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms