The diathermy current coagulates the base of the polyp and it is removed for histologic examination. Adenocarcinoma of the colon may appear as an ulcerated mass, an annular mass, or as a polypoid, nonulcerated, exophytic mass as shown here. This tumor is obstructing the transverse colon. Directed biopsy of the cancer is shown on the right. Tumors in the cecum are more often ulcerated and therefore present with anemia or occult blood loss.
Colonoscopy is an established procedure for evaluating patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
This slide shows examples of ulceration in active ulcerative colitis. Background mucosa shows marked erythema and friability. The colitis may extend throughout the colon or involve only part of it. Chracteristically the rectal mucosa is affected. Granularity is commonly seen as are superficial or deep ulcerations which may by linear, serpiginous, or ovoid.