Endoscopic Resection of an Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp in the Cecum: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Inflammatory fibroid polyps (IFPs) are rare, benign lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. Their occurrence in the colon is rare. They are often surgically resected for various reasons. Case presentation: A 60-year-old woman presented to our institution. She had a history of gynecologic surgery for cervical cancer at 37 years of age. Colonoscopy was performed by a local doctor and a type I tumor on Bauhin's valve was suspected. Colonoscopy performed by us revealed a pedunculated polypoid tumor with a 20-mm head that was found to have a long stalk in the cecum. It was inferred that the stalk was entering and exiting through the valve since submucosal bleeding was observed. Polypectomy was performed. The histopathological diagnosis was IFP. Colonoscopy performed after 6 months showed no polyp recurrence. Discussion: According to previous reports, the treatment of colonic IFP was surgical in 58% of cases and endoscopic resection was performed in only 23% of cases. The decision to perform surgery was based on various factors, such as polyp size and position, difficulty in diagnosis by biopsy, and patient symptoms. In the present case, we could successfully perform polypectomy before the appearance of symptoms. Endoscopic resection seems to be an appropriate treatment approach due to the benign nature of IFP. The etiology of IFP remains unknown. Conclusion: The decision to perform surgery or endoscopic resection should be done on a case-by-case basis, but we think that a favorable increase in the number of endoscopic resections will occur in the future.