Prevalence of Proximal Neoplasms Among Asymptomatic Patients According to Distal Colorectal Findings

Colorectal cancer has been described in association with hyperplastic polyposis. Only half of proximal colon cancers are associated with distal adenomas. To compare the prevalence of proximal and advanced neoplasia between patients with distal hyperplastic polyps only; with distal adenomas with or without hyperplastic polyps; and with no distal polyps, we retrospectively analyzed data of 1,064 adults who underwent colonoscopy. Of these patients, 3% had neoplasia. Proximal neoplasia occurred in 0.8% of 945 patients with no distal polyps, compared to none of 19 with distal hyperplastic polyps (P > 0.05) and 6% with distal adenomas (P > 0.05). Proximal advanced neoplasia occurred in 0.6% patients with no distal polyps, compared with none with distal hyperplastic polyps (P > 0.05) and 6% with distal adenomas (P > 0.05). In conclusion, patients with distal hyperplastic polyps, unlike those with distal adenomas, do not exhibit an increased risk for proximal neoplasia or proximal advanced neoplasia compared to those with no distal polyps.