Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2002; 15(2): 097-104
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-32057
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Polyp Growth and Polyp-Cancer Sequence

Marilyn J. Borst, David A. Margolin
  • Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
06 June 2002 (online)

Zoom Image

ABSTRACT

Neoplastic polyps (tubular adenomas, villous adenomas, and tubulovillous adenomas) may progress to cancer. The polyp-cancer sequence is now well recognized. An accumulation of mutations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes occurs, causing normal colonic epithelium to progress from dysplasia to adenoma and ultimately to carcinoma. Genes in whom mutations may occur and lead to the progression from polyp to cancer include adenomatous polyposis coli, Kirsten rat sarcoma virus, deleted in colon cancer, SMAD4, and p53. Other mutations involved in colorectal carcinogenesis include mutated in colon carcinoma, nm23-H1, CMYC gene, CSRC gene, and mismatch repair and microsatellite instability.