The Most Common Types Of Colon Polyps And Polyp Disorders

Gardner's Syndrome

Gardner's syndrome is an inherited condition that causes the development of cancer in the rectum and colon of an individual. It is characterized by the formation of various masses (polyps included) that are both malignant and benign. The main concern in individuals affected by Garner's syndrome is the development of colorectal cancer and other familial adenomatous polyposis or FAP-associated cancers. These cancers include those of the stomach, thyroid, liver, adrenal gland, small bowel, pancreas, central nervous system, and bile duct cancers.

Other manifestations of Gardner's syndrome in affected individuals include benign growths of the bone, benign connective tissue tumors, desmoid tumors, dental abnormalities, epidermoid cysts, other skin abnormalities, and lipomas. Gardner's syndrome is caused by an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance that carries a certain mutation in the individual's APC gene. Gardner's syndrome has no cure as of the present day, but the risk of cancer can be reduced by certain management options available for affected individuals. These include certain types of medications, high-risk screening, and prophylactic surgical procedures.

Serrated Polyposis Syndrome

Serrated polyposis syndrome is an uncommon condition that affects an individual's colon and rectum through the development of saw-toothed growths or polyps. Serrated polyps are growths that project out of the rectum or colon surface. There are three different classifications for serrated polyps. Hyperplastic polyps are typically found on the left side of the colon and do not generally present as precancerous polyps.

Hyperplastic polyps are the most common type of serrated polyp. Sessile serrated polyps or sessile serrated adenomas are usually found on the right side of the colon, are not bound by stalks, and are often more substantial than the other variations. Sessile serrated adenomas have the potential to progress into cancerous growths rather quickly. Serrated adenomas are polyps that are rare but have a moderate risk of progressing into cancer as they usually have dysplasia or contain abnormal cells. Symptoms include pain, bleeding, constipation, and diarrhea. Serrated polyposis syndrome patients are advised to have a colonoscopy every other year after they are diagnosed with the disorder to increase the chance of early cancer detection.