What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• IFP of Small Intestine
• Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Bowel
• Small Intestinal IFP

What is Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine? (Definition/Background Information)

• Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp (IFP) of Small Intestine is a benign tumor that forms in the small bowel. These polyps are not pre-malignant, meaning that individuals are not at an increased risk for developing intestinal cancer
• The cause and predisposing factors for formation of Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine is unknown. However, the involvement of certain gene mutations have been recorded
• Small-sized polyps are not known to cause any significant symptoms, but larger polyps may lead to abdominal discomfort and compression of adjoining organs
• A complete surgical removal of the lesion generally results in a cure. The prognosis of Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine is excellent with treatment, especially when they are small

Who gets Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine is seen in a wide age group of adults - young, middle-aged, and older adults
• Both males and females are affected
• All races and ethnic groups are at risk for tumor development

What are the Risk Factors for Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no definitive risk factors for Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine are known

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine? (Etiology)

The exact cause of Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine is unknown, in many cases.

• Many researchers believe that it is typically formed in response to an injury or irritation in the bowel
• When an injury occurs, the body works to repair the area. During this repair process, polyps may form, either due to extra cell proliferation or abnormal repair. The cells “pile up” and form a polyp
• Some studies have indicated that IFP of Small Intestine may also be caused by certain genetic mutations that predispose an individual to developing these polyps
  • In over half the cases, PDGFRA gene activated mutations have been noted
  • An abnormal involvement of CD34 and SMA genes is also reported

What are the Sign and Symptoms of Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine?

Small-sized Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine may not cause any significant symptoms and are detected incidentally. In others, the following signs and symptoms may be noted:

• Abdominal discomfort and pain may be noted
• Most tumors are small-sized, while some may grow to large sizes (as large as 12 cm or more). The size may typically range from 1 cm to 5 cm
• Large tumors appear as pedunculated polyps
• The tumors may be located anywhere in the small intestine; however, the ileum is the most common site of the IFP
• Intussusception, due to large-sized tumors: When one part of the intestine pushes itself into another part of the intestine, causing obstruction of the bowel
• Narrowing of the intestine
• Tumors may ulcerate and bleed, resulting in blood in stool

How is Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine may be undertaken using the following tests and exams:

• Complete evaluation of family (medical) history, along with a thorough physical examination
• Stool sample analysis
• X-ray of the abdomen and pelvic region
• Barium enema X-ray
• Endoscopy for tumors in the duodenum (upper part of the small intestine). Capsule endoscopy is an effective tool for observing the small intestine along its entire length
• CT or MRI scan of the abdomen and pelvic region: CT scan with contrast or enteroclysis is a reliable procedure for diagnosing the tumor
• Abdominal ultrasound scan
• Upper GI endoscopy: An endoscopic procedure is performed using an instrument called an endoscope, which consists of a thin tube and a camera. Using this technique, the radiologist can have a thorough examination of the insides of the gastrointestinal tract
• Screening colonoscopy: A typical colonoscopy involves using a thin, flexible tube (called a colonoscope), with an attached video camera, to view the colon and rectum. It may help view the ileal and jejunal portions too
• Tissue biopsy of the tumor:
  • A tissue biopsy of the tumor is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
  • Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
  • Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies to assist in the diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine?

Some potential complications of Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine include:

• Intussusception, requiring surgical correction
• Emotional and psychological stress due to cancer diagnosis
• Obstruction of the small intestine by large tumor masses, which may occur in 1 in 50 cases of Small Bowel IFPs
• Recurrence of the tumor after treatment, especially due to partial surgical removal
• Side effects due to cancer therapy

How is Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine Treated?

Due to the benign (non-cancerous) nature of Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine, small-sized tumors do not generally require any treatment. However, they may be removed to confirm the diagnosis.

• In some cases, the healthcare provider may recommend a ‘wait and watch’ approach for small-sized tumors, after a diagnosis of the tumor is confirmed
• A complete surgical resection of the tumor is usually curative. It is normally undertaken when significant symptoms are observed

Regular observation and periodic checkups to monitor the condition is recommended following treatment.

How can Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine be Prevented?

Presently, there are no specific methods or guidelines to prevent the formation of Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine.

What is the Prognosis of Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for individuals with Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine is generally excellent in a majority of individuals, since it is a benign tumor.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of Small Intestine:

The following article link will help you understand other cancers and benign tumors:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/