A tubular adenoma is an abnormal growth of the tubular cells in the intestine that usually does not cause symptoms and is often discovered during a colonoscopy.
In most cases, a tubular adenoma is considered benign and carries a low risk of becoming cancerous. However, depending on the degree of cellular changes, it can sometimes indicate a precancerous lesion.
The main treatment for a tubular adenoma is removal, which is typically performed by a gastroenterologist during a colonoscopy. Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and keeping a healthy weight can also help reduce the risk of developing new adenomas.
Main symptoms
Most tubular adenomas do not cause symptoms. However, in some cases, the following signs may occur:
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Blood in the stool
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Changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation
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Abdominal pain or discomfort
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Unexplained weight loss
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Loss of appetite
Some people may also experience symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath. These are usually caused by small, ongoing bleeding that may not be visible.
How diagnosis is made
A tubular adenoma is most often diagnosed during routine tests, such as a colonoscopy. This exam, ordered by a gastroenterologist or primary care doctor, allows the intestinal lining to be examined for any abnormalities.
Other tests that may be used include sigmoidoscopy, stool tests such as the fecal occult blood test, and virtual colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy screening typically begins at age 45 but may be recommended earlier for people with certain risk factors or a family history of the condition.
Grades of tubular adenoma
A tubular adenoma is classified based on the degree of dysplasia, which reflects how abnormal the cells appear under a microscope.
1. Tubular adenoma with low-grade dysplasia
This is the most common type. The cells show only mild changes, and the risk of progression to cancer is considered low.
Even so, medical follow-up is important to monitor for the appearance of new polyps over time.
2. Tubular adenoma with high-grade dysplasia
In this case, the cells show more significant abnormalities and loss of structure, indicating a precancerous stage that increases the risk of colorectal cancer.
Because of this, complete removal of the polyp and close medical monitoring are essential.
Possible causes
A tubular adenoma develops due to abnormal cell growth in the colon, which can be influenced by several risk factors, including:
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Age, especially over 45
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Smoking
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Excessive alcohol consumption
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Being overweight or obese
A sedentary lifestyle and a diet low in fruits, vegetables, and fiber also increase the risk of developing this type of polyp.
Other contributing factors include a personal or family history of intestinal polyps or cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and ovarian cancer.
Men and African Americans are also more likely to develop tubular adenomas.
Treatment options
The main treatment for a tubular adenoma is removal, usually performed by a gastroenterologist during the colonoscopy when the adenoma is found.
The procedure, known as a polypectomy, is done using instruments such as snares or forceps and is generally painless. After removal, the adenoma is analyzed in a laboratory to check for any signs of cancer.
In rare cases, when the tubular adenoma is very large or has a high risk of becoming cancerous, surgery may be necessary to remove part of the intestine.
How to prevent
To help prevent tubular adenomas, it is recommended to:
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Have regular screening exams such as colonoscopy
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Avoid smoking
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Limit alcohol consumption
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Exercise regularly
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Maintain a healthy body weight
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also help reduce intestinal inflammation and lower the risk of developing new adenomas.