Juvenile Polyp : Malignant Potential

Comments:
Sporadic juvenile polyps have no malignant potential. Once resected, they do not recur.

In juvenile polyposis syndrome, there is increased risk of developing adenocarcinoma due to dysplastic epithelium with a juvenile polyp or in a coexistant adenoma. About 30% to 50% of individuals develop adenocarcinoma by age 45.

In juvenile polyps, surface ulceration is common. The regenerating epithelium (shown here) adjacent to ulcer and granulation tissue may be mistaken for dysplasia.