Non-polypoid colorectal neoplasms likely to contain cancer cells, study shows
The findings of a study of 1,819 patients undergoing elective colonoscopy show nonpolypoid colorectal neoplasms (NP-CRNs) are nearly ten times more likely to contain cancer cells than polypoid lesions.
Polypoid lesions are more easy to detect using colonoscopy, while NP-CRNs are only easily seen by spraying indigo carmine solution on the affected area.
Overall, 82% of NP-CRNs in the trial contained cancer cells and the prevalence of carcinoma was not linked with size.
Authors write: ‘The improved detection of NP-CRNs (and polypoid ones) may lead to our ability to increase the efficacy and effectiveness of colonoscopy to prevent the development of colorectal cancer.’
Journal of the American Medical Association (2008) 299: 1027-1035
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