Risk Factors For Neoplasia Research Articles

Evaluation of the Danish Colorectal Cancer Screening Program Among People With Cystic Fibrosis.

We aimed to evaluate the Danish CRC screening program, estimate colonic neoplasia's prevalence, and assess the utilized BP regimens. People with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) have an increased risk of precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer (CRC), with occurrence at an earlier age compared with the general population. Consequently, colonoscopy screening is recommended. PwCF requires specific bowel preparation (BP) regimens to ensure an adequate colonoscopy. We conducted a national retrospective cohort study, which included all pwCF eligible for colonoscopy according to international recommendations in 26 months. Among 119 eligible pwCF, 58 completed colonoscopies during the screening period. The screening was omitted in 25% of pwCF. Among the pwCF undergoing colonoscopy screening, precancerous polyps were found in 24% and none with CRC. One patient developed CRC before being offered screening. Risk factors for neoplasia were old age and male sex. The quality of BP was high, even though most pwCF received standard BP. The best quality was found in nonorgan transplanted, pwCF who received modulator treatment and those with no laxatives use. We detected a high adherence to CRC screening, but also a substantial proportion of pwCF who were not informed about screening recommendations, calling for greater awareness among clinicians. Although lower than previously described, our study revealed high numbers of precancerous polyps and CRC compared with the general population, underlining the need for screening. BP quality remained high, despite frequent use of standard regimens, implicating the need for more individualized regimens before undergoing colonoscopy.

Deciphering the Puzzle: Literature Insights on Chlamydia trachomatis-Mediated Tumorigenesis, Paving the Way for Future Research.

Some infectious agents have the potential to cause specific modifications in the cellular microenvironment that could be propitious to the carcinogenesis process. Currently, there are specific viruses and bacteria, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and Helicobacter pylori, that are well established as risk factors for neoplasia. Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections are one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections worldwide, and recent European data confirmed a continuous rise across Europe. The infection is often asymptomatic in both sexes, requiring a screening program for early detection. Notwithstanding, not all countries in Europe have it. Chlamydia trachomatis can cause chronic and persistent infections, resulting in inflammation, and there are plausible biological mechanisms that link the genital infection with tumorigenesis. Herein, we aimed to understand the epidemiological and biological plausibility of CT genital infections causing endometrial, ovarian, and cervical tumors. Also, we covered some of the best suitable in vitro techniques that could be used to study this potential association. In addition, we defend the point of view of a personalized medicine strategy to treat those patients through the discovery of some biomarkers that could allow it. This review supports the need for the development of further fundamental studies in this area, in order to investigate and establish the role of chlamydial genital infections in oncogenesis.

Incidence and risk factors for neoplasia in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients may have an increased risk of neoplasia. The aim was to evaluate the incidence of malignant neoplasia in IBD patients, associated risk factors and therapy adjustments. Unicentric retrospective cohort study. All patients followed for IBD in a tertiary portuguese hospital and oncological centre during 2015-2020 were included. 318 patients were included female 55.0%, age at diagnosis = 37.24(±15,28), Crohn's disease 52.5%, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis n = 7, family history of cancer n = 12, previous diagnosis of neoplasia n = 23(7.2%). 42 cancers were diagnosed in 35 patients (11.0%) - median of 12.0(IQR = 7.5-21.0) years after IBD diagnosis. Most affected organs were the skin (n = 15 in 11 patients; melanoma = 1), colon/rectum (n = 8 in 6 patients), prostate (n = 4), breast (n = 3) and anal canal (n = 2). In those with non-melanoma skin cancer, 6 were under active treatment with azathioprine and 2 had stopped it for more than two years. In the univariate analysis, the occurrence of neoplasia was positively associated with tobacco exposure (p = 0.022), age at IBD diagnosis (p = 0.021), and negatively with infliximab exposure (p = 0.046). In 9 cases, cancer treatment was different because of the IBD, while IBD treatment was changed in 9 patients. In those affected by cancer, in the univariate analysis, its cure/remission was negatively associated with tobacco exposure (p = 0.004) and positively with salicylates use (p = 0.007). In IBD patients, cancer mostly affected the skin and the lower digestive system. As in the general population, tobacco exposure was a risk factor for the development of neoplasia.

MO1018: Nephrotic Syndrome as a Paraneoplastic Entity

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Association between nephrotic syndrome (NS) and cancer is well known. However, it has been barely studied and sustained. Membranous nephropathy (MN) has often been identified as a glomerular paraneoplastic disease. Reported incidence of cancer at the time of biopsy or one year follow-up of MN is 10–20%. Incidence rates in other glomerulopathies are limited. Concomitant malignancy is associated with poor renal outcome in NS since therapy for cancer is a priority and immunosuppressive therapies for NS should be restricted. There is no consensus for cancer screening in patients with NS, with or without known risk factors for cancer. Our aim is to establish the incidence of neoplasia in a cohort of patients of two tertiary hospitals in Spain who develop NS. We analyze clinical characteristics, glomerular disease, types of malignancies and risk factors for cancer in this population. METHOD All patients > 18 years old with NS at one tertiary hospital in Madrid between January 2013 and December 2019 and at one tertiary hospital in Barcelona between January 2018 and June 2020 were included. Demographical and clinical data, laboratory results, and tests performed for cancer screening were recorded. Patients who presented cancer the year before or 24 months after the diagnosis of NS were identified. We performed a logistic regression model to identify independent risk factors for cancer in this population. RESULTS A total of 114 patients presented with NS during the study periods. A total of 57% were men, and the mean age was 57.28 ± 17.3 years. A total of 60% patients presented high blood pressure and 36% type 2 DM2; 7% patients presented HIV infection and 6% hepatitis C infection. A total of 44.7% reported smoking and 13.1% of alcohol consumption. More frequent histologic diagnosis were: diabetic nephropathy (17.5%), MN (14.9%), minimal change disease (7.9%) and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (7.9%). Eight patients presented positivity for anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibodies. A total of 20 patients presented cancer (17.5%): 12 patients had a malignancy diagnosed the year before the NS onset (10 patients with solid organ malignancy and 2 patients with haematological cancer) and 8 patients 24 months after NS onset (3 patients with solid organ malignancy and 5 patients with haematological cancer). In the univariate analysis, patients with cancer were older (72.35 ± 10.28 versus 53.20 ± 17.13 years old; P < .0001). There were no differences in terms of smoking, viral infections, renal function, proteinuria or type of glomerulopathy. In a multivariate analysis, age was the only risk factor for cancer in patients with NS {OR = 1.122, [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.050–1.1980]; P = .0007}. Patients who were diagnosed with cancer were submitted more frequently to gastroscopy (50% versus 25.5%; P = .0323), colonoscopy (60% versus 26.6%; P = .038) and mammography (30% versus 11.7%; P = .370) as screening procedures for malignancy than those without cancer diagnosis. There were no differences in other screening procedures such as chest X-ray, fecal occult blood test, CT scan or abdominal ultrasound. CONCLUSION In our cohort, 17.5% patients with NS presented also concomitant cancer. Age was the only risk factor for neoplasia in this cohort. No association between cancer and gender, type of glomerulopathy, or known risk factors for neoplasia such as alcohol, tobacco or viral infection was found. Patients who were diagnosed with cancer were more frequently submitted to specific cancer screening procedures. It is important to develop screening strategies to find occult malignancy in patients with NS since this condition compromises renal outcome and life expectancy.

Multivariable models for advanced colorectal neoplasms in screen-eligible individuals at low-to-moderate risk of colorectal cancer: towards improving colonoscopy prioritization

BackgroundAdvanced colorectal neoplasms (ACNs), including colorectal cancers (CRC) and high-risk adenomas (HRA), are detected in less than 20% of persons aged 50 years or older who undergo colonoscopy. We sought to derive personalized predictive models of risk of harbouring ACNs to improve colonoscopy wait times for high-risk patients and allocation of colonoscopy resources.MethodsWe characterized colonoscopy indications, neoplasia risk factors and colonoscopy findings through chart review for consecutive individuals aged 50 years or older who underwent outpatient colonoscopy at The Ottawa Hospital (Ottawa, Canada) between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2012 for non-life threatening indications. We linked patients to population-level health administrative datasets to ascertain additional historical predictor variables and derive multivariable logistic regression models for risk of harboring ACNs at colonoscopy. We assessed model discriminatory capacity and calibration and the ability of the models to improve colonoscopy specificity while maintaining excellent sensitivity for ACN capture.ResultsWe modelled 17 candidate predictors in 11,724 individuals who met eligibility criteria. The final CRC model comprised 8 variables and had a c-statistic value of 0.957 and a goodness-of-fit p-value of 0.527. Application of the models to our cohort permitted 100% sensitivity for identifying persons with CRC and > 90% sensitivity for identifying persons with HRA, while improving colonoscopy specificity for ACNs by 23.8%.ConclusionsOur multivariable models show excellent discriminatory capacity for persons with ACNs and could significantly increase colonoscopy specificity without overly sacrificing sensitivity. If validated, these models could allow more efficient allocation of colonoscopy resources, potentially reducing wait times for those at higher risk while deferring unnecessary colonoscopies in low-risk individuals.

Association between Epstein-Barr Virus and Oral Carcinoma: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the association of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We searched the electronic scientific databases of PubMed and Scopus and included a total of 53 studies that were published from 1990 to 2019. The analysis yielded a 45.37% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 38.90-51.84; p < 0.001) overall pooled prevalence of EBV. Studies that used the applied methods of in situ hybridization, polymerase chain reaction, immunology, or RNA microarray showed the following pooled prevalence: 46.08%, 40.32, 54.97%, and 74.89%, respectively. EBV-infected individuals have a 2.5 higher risk for developing OSCC (odds ratio: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.23% to 5.36%; p < 0.001). The present meta-analysis supports the hypothesis of EBV association with OSCC, pointing to this virus as a risk factor for neoplasia. Our findings also suggest that EBV latent transcripts (latent membrane protein 1, EBV nuclear antigen 1 and 2, and EBV-encoded small RNAs) have an important role in this process. Furthermore, novel advancements could arise from large and standardized studies that are constructed to probe for other latent gene expression, eliminate confounding factors (tobacco, alcohol, and high-risk human papillomavirus infection), and define the relationship between EBV and oral carcinomas.

Results of a 36-year surveillance program for ulcerative colitis-associated neoplasia in the Japanese population.

Surveillance colonoscopy has been carried out for patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis who have an increased risk for colorectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of and the risk factors for neoplasia. We evaluated 289 ulcerative colitis patients who underwent surveillance colonoscopy between January1979 and December 2014. Cumulative incidence of neoplasia and its risk factors were investigated. Clinical stage and overall survival were compared between the surveillance and non-surveillance groups. Cumulative risk of dysplasia was 3.3%, 12.1%, 21.8%, and 29.1% at 10, 20, 30 and 40 years after the onset of ulcerative colitis, respectively. Cumulative risk of colorectal cancer was 0.7%, 3.2%, 5.2%, and 5.2% at 10, 20, 30 and 40 years from the onset of ulcerative colitis, respectively. Total colitis was a risk factor for neoplasia (P = 0.015; hazard ratio, 2.96). Our surveillance colonoscopy program revealed the incidence and risk factors of ulcerative colitis-associated neoplasias in the Japanese population. Total colitis is a risk factor for neoplasia.

Diagnostic specificity of autoantibodies to M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) in differentiating idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) from secondary forms and other glomerular diseases.

Autoantibody against phospholipase A2 receptor (anti-PLA2R) is a sensitive and specific biomarker of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN), being found in approximately 70% of iMN patients and only occasionally in other glomerular diseases. However, whereas its diagnostic specificity vs. normal controls and other glomerulonephritides (GN) has been firmly established, its specificity vs. membranous nephropathy associated with various diseases (sMN) has given inconsistent results. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of anti-PLA2R antibodies in iMN in comparison with various control groups, including sMN. A total of 252 consecutive iMN patients, 184 pathological and 43 healthy controls were tested for anti-PLA2R antibody using indirect immunofluorescence (PLA2R IIFT, Euroimmun). Anti-PLA2R autoantibodies were detectable in 178/252 iMN patients, 1/80 primary GN, 0/72 secondary GN, 9/32 sMN and 0/43 healthy controls, with a diagnostic sensitivity of 70.6%. The diagnostic specificity of anti-PLA2R antibody vs. normal and pathological controls was 100 and 94.6% respectively. However, when the diagnostic specificity was calculated only vs. secondary forms of MN, it decreased considerably to 71.9%. Interestingly enough, 9 out of 10 anti-PLA2R positive patients in the disease control groups had membranous nephropathy associated with various diseases (7 cancer, 1 Crohn's disease, 1 scleroderma). In conclusion, anti-PLA2R positivity in a patient with MN, should not be considered sufficient to abstain from seeking a secondary cause, especially in patients with risk factors for neoplasia. The causal relationship between tumors and anti-PLA2R-induced MN remains to be established, as well as the possible mechanisms through which malignancies provoke autoimmunity.

Diagnostic dilemma between medication-related osteonecrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma in a mandibular lytic lesion

Osteolytic lesions of the mandible are common, and there are two important differential diagnoses that must be considered: medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In patients with a history of taking antiresorptive medication as well as risk factors for neoplasia it can be difficult to differentiate between the two. We describe two cases in both of which a mandibular osteolytic lesion was inadequately identified as either MRONJ or SCC because of confusing clinical and histopathological features. We also reviewed relevant publications to identify similar cases. Here we discuss our clinical dilemma when faced with two different conditions that present with similar clinical and histopathological features.

Prior Colorectal Neoplasia Is Associated With Increased Risk of Ileoanal Pouch Neoplasia in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Although restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) substantially reduces the risk of colorectal cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), subsequent pouch neoplasia can develop. There are few data on the incidence of and risk factors for neoplasia, so there is no consensus on the need for pouch surveillance. We aimed to determine the cumulative incidence of pouch neoplasia in patients with IBD and identify risk factors for developing pouch neoplasia. We searched the Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA) to identify all patients with IBD and IPAA in The Netherlands from January 1991 to May 2012. We calculated the cumulative incidence of pouch neoplasia and performed a case-control study to identify risk factors. Demographic and clinical variables were analyzed with univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses. We identified 1200 patients with IBD and IPAA; 25 (1.83%) developed pouch neoplasia, including 16 adenocarcinomas. Respective cumulative incidences at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years were 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.7%, and 6.9% for pouch neoplasia and 0.6%, 1.4%, 2.1%, and 3.3% for pouch carcinoma. A history of colorectal neoplasia was the only risk factor associated with pouch neoplasia. Hazard ratios were 3.76 (95% confidence interval, 1.39-10.19) for prior dysplasia and 24.69 (95% confidence interval, 9.61-63.42) for prior carcinoma. The incidence of pouch neoplasia in patients with IBD without a history of colorectal neoplasia is relatively low. Prior dysplasia or colon cancer is associated with an approximate 4- and 25-fold increase in risk, respectively, of developing pouch neoplasia.

INTESTINAL AND EXTRAINTESTINAL NEOPLASIA IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

The development of neoplasia is an important concern associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially colorectal cancer (CRC). Our aim was to determine the incidence of intestinal and extraintestinal neoplasias among patients with inflammatory bowel disease. There were retrieved information from 1607 patients regarding demographics, disease duration and extent, temporal relationship between IBD diagnosis and neoplasia, clinical outcomes and risk factors for neoplasia. Crohn's disease (CD) was more frequent among women (P=0.0018). The incidence of neoplasia was higher in ulcerative colitis (UC) when compared to CD (P=0.0003). Eight (0.99%) patients developed neoplasia among 804 with CD: 4 colorectal cancer, 2 lymphomas, 1 appendix carcinoid and 1 breast cancer. Thirty (3.7%) patients developed neoplasia among the 803 UC: 13 CRC, 2 lymphomas and 15 extraintestinal tumors. While CRC incidence was not different among UC and CD (1.7% vs 0.5%; P=0.2953), the incidence of extraintestinal neoplasias was higher among UC (2.1% vs 0.5%, P=0.0009). Ten (26.3%) patients out of 38 with neoplasia died. CRC incidence was low and similar in both diseases. There was a higher incidence of extraintestinal neoplasia in UC when compared to CD. Neoplasias in IBD developed at a younger age than expected for the general population. Mortality associated with malignancy is significant, affecting 1/4 of the patients with neoplasia.

Risk Factors for Neoplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients With Pancolitis

Colorectal cancer (CRC), developing from dysplastic lesions, is the main long-term complication of pancolitis. The aims of the present study were to assess the risks for neoplasia and advanced neoplasia (AN), respectively, in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) patients with pancolitis, and to search for protective and risk factors for colorectal neoplasia. A total of 855 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with longstanding pancolitis (276 UC, 56 IBD unclassified (IBDu), and 523 CD) had pathological examination of a proctocolectomy specimen (n=255) or multiple biopsy samples from a surveillance colonoscopy (n=600) after median disease duration of 115 months. Risk factors for low-grade dysplasia (LGD) and AN, respectively, were searched for in the whole group of patients and in a case-control comparison after matching for IBD phenotype. A total of 75 patients eventually developed colorectal neoplasia: 14 adenomas, 28 nonadenomatous LGD, and 33 ANs. The 25-year cumulative risks for neoplasia and AN, respectively, were 32.8±5.7% and 25.9±5.7% in UC and IBDu vs. 12.1±2.7% and 3.9±2.0% in CD (P<0.0001). In CD, patients with UC-like endoscopic appearance (n=126) had an increased risk for AN compared with those with discrete lesions (at 25 years, 10.6±7.2 vs. 1.5±0.9%). In the case-control comparison, factors associated with an increased risk of AN were primary sclerosing cholangitis (hazard ratio (HR) 4.72 (1.54-14.52)) and family history of CRC (HR 3.37 (1.02-11.14)), whereas previous segmental colectomy was protective (HR 0.25 (0.07-0.88)). The risk of AN in longstanding pancolitis is higher in UC or IBDu than in CD. In CD, this risk is significantly increased in patients with UC-like endoscopic lesions. The surveillance program should focus on these latter patients.

Juvenile Polyps: a large pediatric cohort

Background Juvenile polyps, classified as hamartomatous lesions with neoplastic potential, are the most common gastrointestinal polyp of childhood. Risk factors for neoplasia include germline DNA mutations, a family history of juvenile polyps, and multiple polyps (≥3 or ≥5). Only a few large pediatric series (>100patients) of patients with juvenile polyps have been reported, with limited data about repeat surveillance colonoscopy and the incidence of neoplasia. The primary aim of this study was to identify a large cohort of children with one or more juvenile polyps for descriptive analysis of patient demographics, polyp number, location, repeat co1onoscopy, and neoplasia.

Colonoscopic evaluation of hematochezia in low and average risk patients for colorectal cancer: A prospective study

To relate the endoscopic findings in patients with hematochezia with regard to age in "low and average risk" for colorectal cancer (CRC) and to localize significant lesions in order to identify patients who need sigmoidoscopy or total colonoscopy. This prospective study was performed in an open access GI endoscopy unit. Out of 4322 consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy, 918 reported hematochezia. The final study group comprized 180 patients aged below 45 and 237 over 45. Main exclusion criteria were a 1st-degree family history of colorectal carcinoma, patients reporting blood mixed with stools and/or progressive colonic symptoms, or patients who had undergone colon surgery for neoplastic lesions. Total colonoscopy could be performed in 96% of patients. Abnormal findings were observed in 34.3% of the younger and in 65.7% of the older ones. Findings were the presence of polyps in the distal colon (n = 2) and IBD in the proximal colon (n = 29) in the group of the younger patients, and polyps (n = 15), IBD (n = 13), and carcinoma (n = 6, 4 of the lesions were located proximal to the splenic flexure) in the elderly. Our findings suggest that the diagnostic potential of total colonoscopy in patients younger than 45 referring scant hematochezia, is not mandatory. By exploring only the distal tract of the colon we have misdiagnosed two cases of IBD located in the ascending colon. In this group of patients additional risk factors must be identified before performing a total colonoscopy. Regarding the patients older than 45 yr, the exploration of the distal colon would have led to our overlooking a carcinoma, two neoplastic polyps and one IBD located in the proximal colon. Young patients with scant hematochezia but without risk factors for neoplasia do not need a total colonoscopy, whereas is mandatory performing a total colonoscopy in older patients even in the presence of anal pathology.

Screening Colonoscopy in Chinese and Western Patients: A Comparative Study

The aim of this study was to compare findings on screening colonoscopy in a Chinese cohort versus a concurrent Western cohort. Asymptomatic adults aged 40 years or older concurrently underwent screening colonoscopy in two hospitals, one in Taiwan and the other in Seattle. The prevalence and distribution of colonic neoplasia and advanced neoplasia (defined as an adenoma >or=10 mm or with villous, high-grade dysplastic, or malignant features) were compared between the two groups. The Taiwan cohort was composed of 1,456 subjects. Colonic neoplasms were found in 214 (14.7%), advanced neoplasms in 58 (4%), and colon cancers in 4 subjects (0.3%). The Seattle cohort was composed of 3,403 subjects. Neoplasms were found in 705 (20.7%), advanced neoplasms in 166 (4.9%), and cancers in 11 subjects (0.3%). Age and male sex were risk factors for neoplasia in both groups. The adjusted risk ratio was 1.30 (95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.57) in Western versus Chinese patients. However, the prevalence of advanced neoplasms was not statistically different between the two cohorts. The Chinese cohort had a higher proportion of distal neoplasia (66.4%vs 52.6%; p= 0.0004). The sensitivity of a sigmoidoscopic screening strategy for detecting advanced neoplasia was higher in Chinese (79.3%) than in Western patients (67.5%). Compared to Westerners, Chinese patients have a slightly lower prevalence of colon neoplasia (but not advanced neoplasia), more distal distribution of neoplasia, and higher likelihood of concomitant proximal advanced neoplasia and distal neoplasia. Colonoscopy is safe, well-tolerated, and a viable screening option in Chinese patients, but its advantage over sigmoidoscopy as a screening tool may be smaller.

Is the distal hyperplastic polyp a marker for proximal neoplasia?

The current literature is unclear about the association between distal hyperplastic polyps and synchronous neoplasia (adenomatous polyps and cancer) in the proximal colon. To estimate the prevalence of proximal neoplasia associated with distal hyperplastic polyps. Database searches (medline and embase from 1966 to 2001) and manual search of the bibliographies of included and excluded studies, case reports, editorials, review articles, and textbooks of Gastroenterology. Studies describing the prevalence of proximal neoplasia in persons with distal hyperplastic polyps. Demographics, clinical variables, study design, and prevalence of proximal neoplasia associated with various distal colorectal findings. Of 18 included studies, 12 involved asymptomatic individuals in which the pooled absolute risk of any proximal neoplasia associated with distal hyperplastic polyps was 25% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 21% to 29%). In 4 studies where colonoscopy was performed irrespective of distal findings, the absolute risk was 21% (95% CI, 14% to 28%). The relative risk of finding any proximal neoplasia in persons with distal hyperplastic polyps was 1.3 (95% CI, 0.9 to 1.8) compared to those with no distal polyps. Among 6 studies of patients with symptoms or risk factors for neoplasia, the absolute risk of proximal neoplasia was 35% (95% CI, 32% to 39%) in persons with distal hyperplastic polyps. In 2 studies of screening colonoscopy, advanced proximal neoplasia (cancer, or a polyp with villous histology or severe dysplasia, or a tubular adenoma >/=1 cm) was present in 4% to 5% of persons with distal hyperplastic polyps, which was 1.5 to 2.6 times greater than in those with no distal polyps. In asymptomatic persons, a distal hyperplastic polyp is associated with a 21% to 25% risk for any proximal neoplasia and a 4% to 5% risk of advanced proximal neoplasia, and may justify examination of the proximal colon. Further study is needed to determine the risk of advanced proximal neoplasia associated with size and number of distal hyperplastic polyps.

Chronically elevated proliferation as a risk factor for neoplasia.

Chronic disease conditions that are associated with elevated proliferation are well established as risk factors for cancer development. These may be due to viruses (for example, in the case of hepatitis and liver cancer), bacterial infections, parasite infestation or physical trauma. In addition to these exogenous agents there are also metabolic abnormalities that can contribute, caused by genetic or epigenetic influence. In the latter case, an increase in serum levels of the hormones oestrogen, testosterone and insulin may be of special importance. The present review concentrates attention on factors that induce elevated cell turnover and for which there is epidemiological and/or experimental evidence of a link with neoplasia, with particular stress on the individual organ or tissue level.

Pericholangitis and sclerosing cholangitis are risk factors for dysplasia and cancer in ulcerative colitis.

Known risk factors for the development of dysplasia and cancer in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients are: 1) increased extent and duration of disease and 2) increased age at symptom onset. This case-control study was performed to determine whether cholestatic liver disease is associated with neoplastic transformation. Twenty-nine UC patients with extensive disease of long duration and dysplasia or cancer detected in a cancer surveillance program were pair-matched to UC patients without neoplasia from a large inflammatory bowel disease registry matched on extent of disease, sex, and calendar year of disease onset. Of the 29 cases, 10 were found to have cholestatic liver disease; nine with pericholangitis and one with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Two controls had PSC. Cholestatic liver disease was a significant risk factor for the development of dysplasia or cancer (odds ratio 9.00, 95% confidence interval 1.14-71.0). Increased age at symptom onset also was found to be a significant risk factor for neoplasia (odds ratio 1.04 for each additional year, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.08) that did not exhibit confounding or interacting effects with cholestatic liver disease. The degree of neoplasia (low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, or cancer) did not appeared to affect the results. Therefore, cholestatic liver disease, either pericholangitis or PSC, was significantly associated with the development of dysplasia or cancer in UC patients and should be considered an important risk factor for neoplastic transformation.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

As treatment and survival of acute leukemia as well as other types of pediatric cancer improve, the number of second malignancies in these treated patients will increase. Occurrence of these second malignancies in the head and neck is not frequently reported although it is known that radiation treatment, chemotherapy and sometimes the primary lesion itself are risk factors for neoplasia. Malignancies of the parotid gland in the pediatric population are known to be unusual. We discuss a mucoepidermoid carcinoma in a 10-year-old female who 7 years earlier had undergone successful treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.