Click on Images for Enlarged View
Findings: There is a large filling defect in the rectum measuring approximately 5 cm. This defect has a reticulated or lace-like appearance.
Diagnosis: Rectal villous adenoma
Discussion: Villous adenomas have a characteristic radiologic appearance. They are described has having a frond-like or reticulated radiographic pattern on contrast studies.
Villous adenomas may be located throughout the colon. However, the majority are found distally. The distal villous adenomas are more likely to have a characteristic frond-like pattern than proximal adenomas. Right sided villous adenomas often present as smoothly marginated or lobular polypoid filling defects.
Villous tumors are commonly associated with additional gastrointestinal neoplasms. Therefore, if possible, a complete examination of the colon is recommended.
References:
Radiographic Atlas of Colon Disease, edited by Edward Greenbaum, pg 631-636.
Submitted by: