Gender differences in colorectal polyps and tumors

OBJECTIVES: To use a national endoscopy database (CORI) to determine 1) whether 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 tumors; 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 defined as sessile or pedunculated and as >9 mm. Tumors were defined as lesions characteristic of adenocarcinoma (mass, apple-core). Pure right-sided colon (PRS) was defined as cecum, ascending, hepatic flexure; right-sided as PRS plus the transverse colon; and left-sided as the splenic flexure, descending, sigmoid and rectum. RESULTS: Men have a greater risk of polyps odds ratio (OR), 1.5 and tumors (OR, 1.4) than women. The risk of finding polyps and tumors at colonoscopy increases with age, with the highest risk noted in those >69 yr of age relative to patients 60 yr of age. 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 women. A progressive risk of polyp or tumor formation is noted with aging. Women had a greater number of pure right-sided polyps and tumor development. Colonoscopy is needed to correctly diagnose an increasing prevalence of right-sided pathology in the elderly.