Gender differences in colorectal polyps and tumors

OBJECTIVES: To use a national endoscopy database (CORI) to determine 1) whe ther gender differences are noted in the prevalence and location of polyps and tumors; 2) whether women have a higher rate of right-sided polyps or tu mors; and 3) whether age influences these results. METHODS: CORI database from April 1, 1997 to February 19, 1999, captured in a computer-generated report, was analyzed. Polyps for this study were defi ned as sessile or pedunculated and as >9 mm. Tumors were defined as lesions characteristic of adenocarcinoma (mass, apple-core). Pure right-sided colo n (PRS) was defined as cecum, ascending, hepatic flexure; right-sided as PR S plus the transverse colon; and left-sided as the splenic flexure, descend ing, sigmoid and rectum. RESULTS: Men have a greater risk of polyps [odds ratio (OR), 1.5] and tumor s (OR, 1.4) than women. The risk of finding polyps and tumors at colonoscop y increases with age, with the highest risk noted in those >69 yr of age re lative to patients <50 yr of age (polyps, OR = 2.7; tumors, OR = 4.0). Righ t-side polyps and pure right-sided polyps as defined by the study design we re noted to be more frequent than left-sided polyps in patients >60 yr of a ge. Women have a greater risk of developing pure right-sided polyps (OR, 1. 2), tumors (OR, 1.6) and right-sided tumors (OR, 1.5) than men. CONCLUSIONS: Men have a higher prevalence of colon polyps and tumors than w omen. A progressive risk of polyp or tumor formation is noted with aging. W omen had a greater number of pure right-sided polyps and tumor development. Colonoscopy is needed to correctly diagnose an increasing prevalence of ri ght-sided pathology in the elderly. (C) 2001 by Am. Cell. of Gastroenterolo gy.