| Theme |
Precancerous Conditions and Cancer High-risk Lesions in the Colorectum |
| Title |
Colitic Cancer |
| Author |
Katsuyoshi Matsuoka |
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University |
| Author |
Toshifumi Hibi |
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University |
| [ Summary ] |
It is recognized that ulcerative colitis (UC) patients are at increased risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC). The risk of UC associated CRC depends on the duration and extent of disease. UC associated CRC is usually preceded by development of atypical epithelium called dysplasia, which is precancerous lesions as well as being related to markers for coexisting cancer. Because dysplasia or early lesions of UC associated CRC are often flat and hard to recognize with endoscopy, annual or biannual surveillance colonoscopy, along with random biopsies, is recommended for longstanding UC patients. However, an optimal surveillance strategy for UC patients has not yet been determined. If high-grade dysplasia is confirmed through surveillance colonoscopy, total proctocolectomies are warranted. |