HISTOPATHOLOGICAL SPECTRUM AND DISTRIBUTION OF NEOPLASTIC AND NON-NEOPLASTIC INTESTINAL LESIONS: A STUDY FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTER PUNJAB PAKISTAN
Main Article Content
Keywords
Intestinal lesions, Colorectal carcinoma, Adenocarcinoma, Inflammatory bowel disease, Histopathology
Abstract
Background and Objective
Intestinal lesions represent a heterogeneous group of pathological entities ranging from inflammatory and infectious processes to benign and malignant neoplasms. Colorectal carcinoma is among the leading causes of cancer related mortality worldwide. In developing countries, infectious intestinal disorders coexist with increasing neoplastic burden. This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological spectrum and distribution of neoplastic and non-neoplastic intestinal lesions at a tertiary care center in Punjab, Pakistan.
Material & Methods
This retrospective descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore, from January 2024 to June 2025. All intestinal biopsy and resection specimens were included. Histological sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Special stains were applied where required. Lesions were categorized as non-neoplastic and neoplastic. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.
Results
A total of 420 specimens were evaluated. Non-neoplastic lesions constituted 62%, while neoplastic lesions accounted for 38%. Chronic nonspecific enteritis was the most frequent non-neoplastic lesion. Adenocarcinoma was the predominant malignancy (72% of neoplastic cases). Large intestine involvement was more common than small intestine. Peak incidence of malignancy occurred in the fifth and sixth decades.
Conclusion
Non-neoplastic intestinal lesions were more common; however, a significant malignant burden was observed. Histopathology remains indispensable for diagnosis and management. Early detection and screening strategies are essential to reduce colorectal cancer burden in this region.
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Farah Kalsoom
Assistant Professor Histopathology, Department of Pathology, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, SHL, Lahore, PakistanEmail: [email protected]
Anam Malik
Consultant Histopathologist, Nishtar Medical University, Multan, Pakistan
Zainab Jamil
Senior Demonstrator, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore
Azra Akhtar
Consultant Histopathology and Cytopathology, Buch International Hospital, Multan, Pakistan
Sahar Iqbal
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Azra Naheed Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
Asmah Afzal
Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College Bahawalpur, PakistanEmail:
