Inflammatory fibroid polyp

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Inflammatory fibroid polyp
Inflammatory fibroid polyp under low magnification
Synonyms	Vanek's tumor
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeding
Complications	Intestinal obstruction
Onset	Typically in adults, most common in 5th to 7th decades
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown, possibly inflammatory or reactive
Risks	No specific risk factors identified
Diagnosis	Endoscopy, biopsy, histopathology
Differential diagnosis	Gastrointestinal stromal tumor, adenomatous polyp, lipoma
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgical resection
Medication	None specific
Prognosis	Excellent with surgical removal
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	None directly attributable

Inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP) is a benign neoplasm that can occur in various parts of the gastrointestinal tract, but is most commonly found in the stomach and small intestine. It was first described by the Austrian pathologist Hans Chiari in 1949.

History

The term "inflammatory fibroid polyp" was first used by John Helwig and Franklin F. M. Bosman in 1953. They described it as a distinct pathological entity characterized by a proliferation of connective tissue, blood vessels, and a prominent inflammatory infiltrate.

Pathogenesis

The exact cause of IFP is unknown. However, it is believed to be a reactive process rather than a true neoplasm. Some studies suggest that it may be related to chronic inflammation or irritation. Genetic factors may also play a role, as some cases have been associated with specific genetic mutations.

Clinical features

IFPs can occur at any age, but they are most common in middle-aged adults. They can cause various symptoms depending on their location. In the stomach, they may cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or bleeding. In the small intestine, they may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, or intestinal obstruction.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of IFP is usually made by endoscopic biopsy. The histological features include a proliferation of spindle cells, blood vessels, and inflammatory cells, with a characteristic "onion-skin" pattern around the blood vessels. Immunohistochemical staining can help to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment of choice for IFP is surgical removal. This can usually be done by endoscopic resection. In some cases, open surgery may be required. The prognosis after treatment is excellent, with a very low risk of recurrence.

See also

• Gastrointestinal neoplasm
• Stomach cancer
• Small intestine cancer

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