Abstract
Background and aims: Serrated adenoma (SA) is a newly defined category of colorectal neoplasia that contains features of both adenoma and hyperplastic polyp, and has two patterns, hyperplastic and cerebriform patterns. Since cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) has been found upregulated in colorectal cancers and adenomas, we examined whether either the hyperplastic or cerebriform pattern of SA has the potential for tumor progression and should be a target for clinical treatment. Patients and methods: An immunohistochemical scoring system was used to compare COX-2 expression in colorectal SAs (n=79), tubular adenomas (n=66), and hyperplastic polyps (n=21). Results: COX-2 scores were significantly higher in SA of the cerebriform pattern (n=44) than in SA of the hyperplastic pattern (n=35). There was no difference in COX-2 scores between SA of the cerebriform pattern and tubular adenoma. In SA accompanied by hyperplastic polyp (n=26) the hyperplastic components expressed little COX-2, the same as traditional hyperplastic polyps. COX-2 expression in the SA component was similar to that in pure SA. Conclusion: SA of the cerebriform pattern should be treated similarly as traditional tubular adenomas. COX-2 induction may additionally be involved in progression from hyperplastic polyp to SA.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Electronic Publication
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Takeuchi, M., Kobayashi, M., Ajioka, Y. et al. Comparison of cyclo-oxygenase 2 expression in colorectal serrated adenomas to expression in tubular adenomas and hyperplastic polyps. Int J Colorectal Dis 17, 144–149 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-001-0372-5
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-001-0372-5