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Colonoscopy in asymptomatic individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer

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Abstract

Background

This study was performed to evaluate the use of total colonoscopy as the optimal screening test in asymptomatic individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

Colonoscopy was performed in 249 asymptomatic individuals who had one or two first-degree relatives (FDRs) with CRC; individuals with three or more FDRs with CRC were excluded.

Results

Eighty-six colonic lesions were found in 51 individuals (51 of 249; 20.5%). Among these 51 subjects, 27 had neoplastic polyps (n=38) and 29 had metaplastic polyps (n=44). Although no invasive cancer was detected, in 14 individuals the lesions had a high malignancy potential because of their size and histopathology. We did not confirm a statistically significant difference in the incidence of neoplastic polyps according to the number of affected FDRs. Finally, the presence of metaplastic polyps was a very strong indication for the concomitant presence of metaplastic polyps (P<.0001).

Conclusions

Total colonoscopy is the optimal screening procedure for the examination of asymptomatic individuals with a family history of CRC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Oncology, Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK

    K. N. Syrigos MD, PhD, A. Zbar MD, FRCS, V. A. Murday MD & R. J. Leicester FRCS

  2. Colorectal Unit, Department of Surgery, St. George’s Hospital, London, UK

    A. Charalampopoulos MD & J. L. Ho MD

Authors
  1. K. N. Syrigos MD, PhD
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  2. A. Charalampopoulos MD
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  3. J. L. Ho MD
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  4. A. Zbar MD, FRCS
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  5. V. A. Murday MD
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  6. R. J. Leicester FRCS
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to K. N. Syrigos MD, PhD.

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Syrigos, K.N., Charalampopoulos, A., Ho, J.L. et al. Colonoscopy in asymptomatic individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer. Annals of Surgical Oncology 9, 439–443 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02557265

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02557265

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