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What Is a Tubular Adenoma Polyp?

Melissa Barrett
Melissa Barrett

A tubular adenoma polyp is a small tumor that grows along the wall of the large intestine. This type of polyp contains cancerous cells. In many instances, the cancer cells are contained to the polyp. So, having a tubular adenoma polyp does not mean that a patient has colon cancer. It does, however, mean that he or she is at significantly higher risk of the disease.

Colon polyps are actually quite common, especially in patients over 60. In some instances, these growths are completely benign. Inflammatory polyps are common in individuals with certain medical conditions that irritate the colon wall. While these growths are often biopsied to rule out cancer, they are seldom removed.

Tumors that grow along the wall of the large intestine are referred to as tubular adenoma polyps.
Tumors that grow along the wall of the large intestine are referred to as tubular adenoma polyps.

The discovery of a tubular adenoma polyp is more worrisome. They are generally easily identified as the large majority show up as pedunculated growths. In short, they resemble trees with a larger top sitting on a supporting trunk. Often, these tumors can be removed easily during a colonoscopy by simply cutting them at the stem. The polyp is then checked for cancerous cells.

Tubular adenoma polyps are common in patients over the age of 60.
Tubular adenoma polyps are common in patients over the age of 60.

If cancer cells are found in the bulk of the adenoma but have not reached the stem, the patient is said to have stage zero cancer or carcinoma in situ. Often, a more intensive colonoscopy will be performed to check for additional polyps. If none are present, or if only additional stage zero polyps are found, further treatment is often unnecessary. Regular colonoscopies are generally advised as a preventative measure.

An ultrasound can be used to detect a colon polyp.
An ultrasound can be used to detect a colon polyp.

In stage one and stage two colon cancer, the cells have spread from the tubular adenoma polyp but are still localized to the colon. In stage one, the cancer has spread to the surface of the colon. In stage two, it has begun to erode the colon wall. In both cases, the cancer is generally treated by removing the affected section of the colon. The majority of patients treated for these stages of colon cancer make a complete recovery.

The prognosis is generally poor if colon cancer reaches stage 3 or 4.
The prognosis is generally poor if colon cancer reaches stage 3 or 4.

Colon cancer in stages three and four is much more serious. The cancer cells originating in the tubular adenoma polyp have spread to the areas surrounding the colon. In stage three, the lymph nodes outside of the colon wall are effected. In stage four, the cancer has spread to the liver or beyond. These cancers are treated much more aggressively, usually with chemotherapy, but generally, the prognosis is poor.

Having a tubular adenoma polyp increases one's risk of colon cancer.
Having a tubular adenoma polyp increases one's risk of colon cancer.

Tubular adenoma polyps are largely considered to be unpreventable, although some studies point to reduced risks in those with high-fiber diets. Additional calcium and vitamin C and E supplements are also often suggested for those with family histories of colon cancer. Regular colonoscopies are strongly recommended also.

Discussion Comments

anon1004872

I just had a colon resection 2 months ago for some cancerous cell but type is unknown. How can I prevent a reccurrence and how long will I live?

Victor52

My husband had liver cancer five years ago and received a transplant. He had a colonoscopy last week and they found a large tubular adenoma. We were told if one cancer cell escapes it could go to any part of his body and a scan may not pick it up. Could this be possible?

SimpleByte

@ Nefertini - Another type of polyp is a sessile polyp, a flat polyp that can develop inside the colon wall. This type of polyp does not have a stalk like tubular adenoma polyps. They can, however, also develop into colon cancer so they are removed during a colonoscopy as other polyps usually are.

Nefertini

Since polyps in the colon are usually found during a colonoscopy, it's vital to get a colonoscopy when your doctor advises. Doctors usually want you to have one when you're 50 as a screening test for colon cancer but may recommend one sooner if you have a family history of colon cancer or experience irritable bowel syndrome or other symptoms of colon disease.

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    • Tumors that grow along the wall of the large intestine are referred to as tubular adenoma polyps.
      By: stockshoppe
      Tumors that grow along the wall of the large intestine are referred to as tubular adenoma polyps.
    • Tubular adenoma polyps are common in patients over the age of 60.
      By: xalanx
      Tubular adenoma polyps are common in patients over the age of 60.
    • An ultrasound can be used to detect a colon polyp.
      By: acherst
      An ultrasound can be used to detect a colon polyp.
    • The prognosis is generally poor if colon cancer reaches stage 3 or 4.
      By: Photographee.eu
      The prognosis is generally poor if colon cancer reaches stage 3 or 4.
    • Having a tubular adenoma polyp increases one's risk of colon cancer.
      By: rob3000
      Having a tubular adenoma polyp increases one's risk of colon cancer.