Content
Tubular adenoma corresponds to the abnormal growth of tubular cells present in the intestine, not leading to the appearance of signs or symptoms and being identified only during the colonoscopy.
This type of adenoma is most often considered benign, with the risk of becoming a tumor. However, it is important that routine examinations are carried out to monitor the evolution of tubular adenoma, especially in the case of people who have risk factors such as high fat diet, frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages and smoking, as in these cases there is a risk of development of colorectal cancer.
How to identify tubular adenoma
Most cases of tubular adenoma do not lead to the appearance of signs or symptoms, however some people may experience changes in bowel habits, changes in stool color, abdominal pain and symptoms related to anemia.
Thus, tubular adenoma in most cases is identified during colonoscopy, which is an examination indicated by the gastroenterologist or general practitioner in which the evaluation of the intestinal mucosa is made in order to identify changes. Understand how colonoscopy is performed.
Is tubular adenoma severe?
Most cases of tubular adenoma are not serious, but periodic follow-up is necessary to check the evolution of the adenoma. In some cases, during colonoscopy, the lesion is removed, depending on how it appears on the exam.
However, when tubular adenoma appears in people who have unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as high-fat diet, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, overweight or smoking, there is a greater risk of malignant transformation of the adenoma, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. Learn how to identify colorectal cancer.
How is the treatment
Tubular adenoma is most often considered benign and, therefore, no specific treatment is necessary.
As the emergence of adenoma is often related to lifestyle, its treatment consists of improving eating habits, giving preference to foods rich in fiber and vegetables and with less fat, regular physical activity and reduction the amount of alcoholic beverages consumed. Thus, it is possible to decrease the growth rate of the adenoma and the risk of malignancy.
On the other hand, in cases where it is verified by the doctor that there is a risk of developing cancer, the removal of the tubular adenoma can be performed during the colonoscopy.