A tubular adenoma is a benign tumour that forms mostly in the large bowel or rectum and is made up of glandular tissue.
What is behind a tubular adenoma?
In medical terms, an adenoma is a benign growth that comes from glandular cells. The word "tubular" describes the typical tube-like (from the Latin "tubulus" meaning small tube) structure that the adenoma is made of. Tubular adenomas are most often found during bowel examinations when doctors are looking for polyps. Polyps are small, mostly stalked outgrowths of the bowel lining that can appear in different forms.
Where do tubular adenomas form?
The great majority of these adenomas are found in the large bowel, and sometimes in the rectum. Less commonly, they can appear in other organs that contain glandular tissue, such as the stomach or the gallbladder. In everyday use, though, the term almost always refers to a finding in the bowel. There, they usually grow slowly and do not cause any symptoms at first.
How is a tubular adenoma discovered?
In most cases, a tubular adenoma goes unnoticed for a long time because it causes no symptoms. Only when it grows larger can it occasionally lead to blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, or rarely to stomach pain. It is usually discovered by chance during a routine bowel screening. This is also why regular check-ups are recommended from a certain age.
Why does the finding matter?
Although a tubular adenoma is benign to begin with, it plays an important role in connection with bowel cancer. Most malignant tumours in the bowel develop from exactly these kinds of benign precursor lesions. The tubular adenoma in particular is considered one of the most common precursors. The risk of it actually developing into cancer is, however, relatively low, especially if the adenoma is small and has been fully removed. That said, the larger the adenoma, the higher the risk of a malignant change over the years.
Should you be worried?
A diagnosis of tubular adenoma can feel unsettling at first. Many people wonder whether this already means cancer or whether there is an immediate danger. There is reassuring news here: a tubular adenoma is not cancer, but a benign growth. Only when certain changes occur in the cells, known as dysplasia, can a malignant tumour develop over a longer period of time. Removing the adenoma during the bowel examination significantly reduces the risk of bowel cancer.
What does treatment look like?
If a tubular adenoma is found, it is usually removed straight away during the bowel examination. This is a short, painless procedure that can usually be carried out without anaesthetic. The removed tissue is then examined in a laboratory to make sure it really is a benign adenoma and that no malignant changes are present. As a rule, no further treatment is needed after removal. Depending on the size, number, and type of adenomas, follow-up checks may be recommended at certain intervals to detect any new polyps early.
What does the finding mean for everyday life?
After the removal of a tubular adenoma, no special therapy or changes to daily life are needed. There are no medicines or special diets that could completely rule out the risk of new adenomas forming. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, little alcohol, and not smoking, can however lower the risk of polyps and bowel cancer. Anyone who has already had a tubular adenoma should attend the recommended follow-up examinations, as the risk of new polyps forming is slightly raised.
Are there different types of adenoma?
Besides the tubular adenoma, there are other forms, such as the villous adenoma and the tubulovillous adenoma. These differ in their structure and in the proportion of tube-like or finger-like parts. Villous parts are linked to a slightly higher risk of malignant changes. The tubular adenoma is, however, the most common and generally the most harmless type.
In summary
A tubular adenoma is a benign, mostly harmless growth of the bowel lining that poses no immediate danger if removed in good time. Regular screening and the removal of any adenomas that are found are the most important steps for effectively preventing bowel cancer from developing.
