Osseous metaplasia in an ulcerating tubular adenoma of the colon: a case report

• Main Authors: White Victoria, Shaw Aidan G, Tierney Gillian M, Lund Jonathan N, Semeraro David
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2008-04-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/2/1/130

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>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.</p>