Flat Growths May Be Worse Than Polyps ( 10 times more likely to be cancerous than the polyps)

[RedEarth]

CHICAGO (AP) - Flat growths on the colon wall are more common in Americans than previously thought and more likely to be cancerous than the more familiar knobby masses known as polyps, a new study finds.

New techniques can locate and remove the flat growths, but many doctors aren't aware of their cancer risk and may not know how to look for them. The findings are likely to change the practice of colonoscopy, experts said, and may explain some colon cancers that arise between colonoscopies.

"I think it is very important. It's going to intensify the need for quality screening," said Dr. Stephen Hanauer, gastroenterology chief at the University of Chicago, who was not involved in the study. "You're not going to be able to do seven-minute colonoscopies."

The growths tend to be smaller when they are cancerous - the size of a nickel instead of a quarter - and are level with the colon wall or depressed like a pothole. They blend in with the surrounding tissue and are difficult to spot.

Doctors have known about flat growths but haven't recognized their danger, experts said.

While knobby polyps were found in four times as many participants, more than half the colon cancers found - 15 of 28 - were in flat and depressed growths. Thirteen were in polyps.

Researchers found the flat growths were nearly 10 times more likely to be cancerous than the polyps. They believe the growths represent a separate colon cancer pathway, rather than being precursors to knobby polyps, Soetikno said. The study appears in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association

http://apnews.myway.com//article/20080304/D8V6RSA80.html

[Peregrine Took]

1. Dr. Hanauer is my gastroenterologist. If you ever have a problem with your

colon or know anyone who has a problem - go to him. Period.

He saved my me 7 years ago when I went to him in dire, dire straights.

One gastro wanted to removed my colon ASAP.

Dr. Hanauer cured me (ulcerative colitis)and I was home in a week. He is a genius.

[Autumn Colors]

2. I transcribe for 2 large gastro practices

and have been for about 9 years. The doctors I transcribe for always recommend a much earlier repeat screening if a flat polyp is found.

ALSO, VERY, VERY IMPORTANT!!!

The usual screening age is 50, but if you have a parent or sibling who has either had colon cancer or had colon polyps found on a colonoscopy, then your own screenings should begin at age 40, not 50.

If that parent or sibling was found to have colon cancer or polyps at an age younger than 50, then your screening should begin at an age that is 10 years younger than the age your relative's cancer or polyp was found/diagnosed.