In a nutshell
The present study compared the results of two surgical techniques for the removal of cancerous colonic polyps: surgical resection versus colonoscopic polypectomy.
Some background
Most colorectal cancers develop from a malignant (cancerous) polyp, an abnormal growth on the inner surface of the large intestine. When a polyp is found, the only way to know if it is cancerous or not is to remove it and to have it analyzed by a pathologist. Removal of a polyp can be done either surgically, by removing the section of the colon which contains the polyp (colectomy), or during a colonoscopy, by cutting or burning (cauterizing) the polyp (polypectomy). A colonoscopy is a procedure doctors use to look inside the large intestine using a thin flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope).
Methods & findings
This study included 2077 patients diagnosed with cancerous colonic (of the large intestine) polyps between 1992 and 2005. 1340 (64.5%) patients were treated with surgery and 737 (35.5%) were treated with polypectomy. The authors compared the rates of complications, recurrence (return of the cancer) and long-term survival between the two groups.
The bottom line
In summary, patients with cancerous colon polyps with similar clinical characteristics have comparable outcomes with polypectomy or surgery. Thus, polypectomy is a safe and effective strategy for the management of malignant colonic polyps, and could be offered to a selected group of patients who meet the appropriate criteria.
The fine print
However, this study included only patients older than 66 years, and did not compare the rates of cancer-related survival (only the overall survival). Further studies are necessary to compare outcomes for the younger population.
What’s next?
You should ask your doctor what is the most appropriate treatment method for you.
Published By :
Cancer
Date :
Feb 01, 2012
