Pseudopolyps

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Pseudopolyps
Pseudopolyps in ulcerative colitis
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Mucosal projections in the colon
Complications	May be mistaken for colorectal cancer
Onset	Associated with inflammatory bowel disease
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease
Risks	Inflammatory bowel disease
Diagnosis	Colonoscopy, endoscopy
Differential diagnosis	Colorectal cancer, adenomatous polyps
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Management of underlying inflammatory bowel disease
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally benign
Frequency	Common in ulcerative colitis
Deaths	N/A

An overview of pseudopolyps in the context of inflammatory bowel disease

Pseudopolyps

Pseudopolyps in a patient with chronic ulcerative colitis

Pseudopolyps are a type of polypoid lesion that can occur in the context of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly in ulcerative colitis and sometimes in Crohn's disease. They are not true polyps but rather represent areas of regenerating mucosa that appear polypoid due to the surrounding ulcerated tissue.

Pathophysiology

Pseudopolyps form as a result of repeated cycles of mucosal injury and healing. In conditions like ulcerative colitis, the mucosa becomes inflamed and ulcerated. During the healing process, the remaining islands of intact or regenerating mucosa can appear as raised lesions, which are termed pseudopolyps. These lesions are typically non-neoplastic and do not have malignant potential, unlike adenomatous polyps.

Clinical Significance

Pseudopolyps are often seen during endoscopic examination of patients with ulcerative colitis. They can vary in size and number and are usually found in areas of the colon that have been affected by chronic inflammation. While pseudopolyps themselves are benign, their presence indicates a history of significant mucosal damage and inflammation.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pseudopolyps is typically made during a colonoscopy, where they can be visually identified. Biopsies may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out dysplasia or malignancy, especially if the appearance is atypical.

Management

Management of pseudopolyps primarily involves treating the underlying inflammatory bowel disease. This may include the use of medications such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologic agents. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if there are complications such as obstruction or significant bleeding.

See also

• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Colon polyp