Villous adenoma

Villous adenoma is a type of polyp that grows in the colon and other places in the gastrointestinal tract, like the stomach and the small intestine. These adenomas may become cancerous over time, but this is not always the case.

Symptoms

Villous adenomas can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on their size and location. Some people with villous adenomas do not have any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Rectal bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Mucus in the stool
• Abdominal pain

Causes

The exact cause of villous adenomas is not known. However, they are more common in people over the age of 50 and in those with a family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps.

Diagnosis

Villous adenomas are often found during a colonoscopy or other type of endoscopy. During these procedures, a small sample of tissue may be taken for biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment for villous adenomas usually involves removing the polyp. This can often be done during a colonoscopy. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the polyp.

Prognosis

The prognosis for villous adenomas is generally good if they are found and treated early. However, if left untreated, they can become cancerous and spread to other parts of the body.

See also

• Adenoma
• Colorectal cancer
• Colonoscopy

Villous adenoma Resources
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