Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2008 | Case report
Osseous metaplasia in an ulcerating tubular adenoma of the colon: a case report
Authors:
Victoria White, Aidan G Shaw, Gillian M Tierney, Jonathan N Lund, David Semeraro
Published in:
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|
Issue 1/2008
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Abstract
Introduction
Heterotopic bone is rarely found in the gastrointestinal tract. Here we report a rare case of metaplastic ossification within a benign ulcerating adenoma and review the literature concerning the aetiology.
Case presentation
A 63-year-old woman, who presented with a history of melaena, was found at colonoscopy to have a pedunculated ulcerating polyp. Histological examination demonstrated multiple areas of osseous metaplasia within the polyp stroma.
Conclusion
Heterotopic ossification in colonic adenomas is a particularly rare phenomenon, with the majority of cases occurring within malignant lesions. The suggested mechanisms for its aetiology still remain unclear.