Precursor Colorectal Lesions

There are several precursor lesions seen prior to the development of colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Aberrant Crypt Foci / Hyperplasia / Dysplasia

The first abnormality, which is somewhat difficult to visualise macroscopically, is hyperplasia and dysplasia.

  • Hyperplasia involves an increase in the number of cells and crowding, and is associated with ras proto-oncogene mutation
  • Dysplasia involves dysplastic change within the epithelium and is associated with loss of APC.

Adenoma

Early adenomas are elevated (peduncular/sessile), flat or depressed

  • Tubular adenomas, which contain flat, dysplastic mucosa and may be elevated or flat.
  • Villous adenomas, with a leaf-like surface of small projections and are usually elevated

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