[Morphogenesis of polyps in diffuse polyposis of the colon]

Abstract

Sixty operative specimens of the colon or its fragments removed for diffuse juvenile polyposis (the diagnosis was clinical) were evaluated morphologically. A structural study of the polyps ranging in size from the smallest to large lobular formations elicited a significant role of inflammation in polyp morphogenesis. Large polyps often show fragments of typical adenomatous structure. These adenomatous sites mark a higher risk of malignant transformation which develops in polyps of mixed structure in diffuse juvenile colon polyposis. Structurally, there are more reasons for referring juvenile polyps to adenomas than to hamartomas.