Tubular Adenoma of the Colon

Spanish Russian

A tubular adenoma of the colon is a precancerous colon polyp made of gland-like tissue that can slowly develop into colorectal cancer if not removed. Most tubular adenomas are found during routine colonoscopy screening and can be safely removed at the same time. Early detection and complete removal significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer. At Medex Diagnostic Center in Queens, our gastroenterology team performs advanced endoscopic procedures for safe and complete removal.

Tubular adenoma of the colon polyps removal

What Is a Tubular Adenoma of the Colon?

A tubular adenoma is the most common type of adenomatous colon polyp. It forms in the lining of the large intestine (colon) and is considered benign but precancerous.

This means:

  • It is not cancer
  • It does not spread
  • But it can turn into cancer over time if left untreated

Tubular adenomas develop through what doctors call the adenoma–carcinoma sequence, a slow process that may take 7–10 years or longer.

At Medex Diagnostic & Treatment Center in Queens, NY, early detection through screening colonoscopy helps prevent colon cancer before it starts.

Symptoms of Tubular Adenoma

Most people have no symptoms.

When symptoms occur, they may include:

  • Blood in the stool
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Unexplained anemia
  • Abdominal discomfort (rare)

Because tubular adenomas are usually silent, routine screening is critical, especially after age 45 or earlier if you have risk factors.

colon cancer vs healthy colon

How Is Tubular Adenoma Diagnosed?

1. Colonoscopy (Gold Standard)

Most tubular adenomas are discovered during a screening colonoscopy.

During this procedure:

  • A flexible camera examines the entire colon
  • Any visible polyp can usually be removed immediately
  • The removed tissue is sent to pathology

Colonoscopy is both diagnostic and therapeutic.

2. Pathology Report (Definitive Diagnosis)

After removal, a pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope.

Your pathology report may include:

Type of Polyp

“Tubular adenoma” confirms it is precancerous but not cancer.

Size and Location

Larger polyps carry higher cancer risk.

Dysplasia Grade

  • Low-grade dysplasia → mild precancerous changes
  • High-grade dysplasia → more advanced changes, higher cancer risk

Margin Status

  • Negative margin → fully removed
  • Positive margin → may require follow-up

High-Risk Features

  • Size ≥ 10 mm
  • Villous components
  • High-grade dysplasia
  • Multiple adenomas

At Medex in Queens, we carefully review pathology reports to create a personalized follow-up plan.

When Should You Repeat a Colonoscopy?

Follow-up timing depends on findings:

Colonoscopy FindingsRecommended Follow-Up
1–2 small (<10 mm) tubular adenomas7–10 years
3–4 small adenomas or any ≥10 mm3–5 years
5–10 adenomas or high-grade dysplasia3 years
More than 10 adenomas1 year

Adhering to follow-up recommendations dramatically lowers your risk of colorectal cancer.

Treatment of Tubular Adenoma

Polypectomy (Standard Treatment)

Tubular adenomas are removed during colonoscopy using:

  • Wire snare technique
  • Endoscopic resection tools
  • Sedation for comfort

Most removals are:

  • Quick
  • Minimally invasive
  • Outpatient procedures

Large Adenomas

May require:

  • Piecemeal resection
  • Short-term follow-up colonoscopy
  • Rarely, surgical removal

At Medex Diagnostic Center in Queens, our gastroenterology team performs advanced endoscopic procedures for safe and complete removal.

Can Tubular Adenomas Come Back?

  • The same polyp does not grow back if fully removed
  • However, new adenomas can develop

This is why surveillance colonoscopy is essential.


When Does a Tubular Adenoma Become Cancer?

A tubular adenoma becomes cancer only if:

  • It is not removed
  • It grows larger over time
  • It develops high-grade dysplasia
  • It acquires additional genetic mutations

The good news:
Removing adenomas prevents colon cancer.

This is why colonoscopy is considered a powerful cancer-prevention tool – not just a screening test.

Risk Factors for Developing Tubular Adenomas

  • Age over 45
  • Family history of colon cancer
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • High red meat intake
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

Lifestyle modifications can reduce risk.

How to Lower Your Risk

  • Schedule routine colonoscopy
  • Eat high-fiber diet
  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Limit processed meats
  • Stop smoking
  • Control diabetes

Preventive care is central to our approach at Medex Diagnostic & Treatment Center.

Stool-Based Tests vs Colonoscopy

Stool tests like Cologuard can detect:

  • Blood
  • DNA markers

However:

  • They do NOT remove polyps
  • A positive result still requires colonoscopy

Colonoscopy remains the most comprehensive screening method.

What Doctor Should You See at Medex in Queens?

If you have been diagnosed with a tubular adenoma, you should see:

Gastroenterologist

A specialist in digestive diseases who:

  • Performs colonoscopy
  • Removes polyps
  • Interprets findings
  • Manages follow-up care

If advanced findings are present, you may also see:

Colorectal Surgeon

For complex or large lesions requiring surgical management.

At Medex Diagnostic & Treatment Center in Queens, NY, our experienced gastroenterology team provides complete evaluation, polyp removal, and personalized surveillance plans.

When to Schedule an Appointment in Queens

You should schedule a colonoscopy if:

  • You are 45 or older
  • You have a family history of colon cancer
  • You had adenomas previously
  • You received a positive stool test
  • You have rectal bleeding

Early detection saves lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a tubular adenoma cancer?
No. It is a benign but precancerous polyp that can turn into cancer if not removed.

How serious is a tubular adenoma?
It is common and usually low-risk if small and completely removed, but requires follow-up.

What is low-grade dysplasia?
It means mild precancerous changes with low risk once removed.

What is high-grade dysplasia?
More advanced abnormal cells that require closer surveillance.

Can tubular adenomas cause symptoms?
Most cause no symptoms and are found during screening.

How long does it take for a tubular adenoma to turn into cancer?
Usually many years, often 7–10 or longer.

Why Choose Medex Diagnostic & Treatment Center in Queens?

At Medex, we provide:

We proudly serve patients throughout Queens, NY.

Stay In Touch Contact Us