Clinicopathological study of juvenile polyp.

Thirty-two cases of juvenile polyp were investigated for the clinical and pathological findings. This type polyps occured frequently in the first decade with male predominance. Melena and bloody stool were found in all cases, prolapse of the polyps in 28%, and spontaneous amputation in 9.4%. The duration of symptoms were usually within 6 months. The polyps were found frequently in the rectum and sigmoid colon, about 75%. One case of juvenile polyposis in a 12 years-old male was found. The size of the polyps was usually within 2 cm in diameter and the majority of the polyps were pedunculated. Polypectomy was performed for all cases and additional partial resection for 2 cases with multiple polyps and polyposis. Recurrence and malignant transformation were not found. It should be considered that these are at least two types of histogenesis for the so-called juvenile polyp like as hamartomatous and inflammatory.