Hamartomatous inverted polyps of the rectum

Abstract

Hamartomatous inverted polyps of the rectum are benign single slightly polypoid intramural masses of the bowel wall formed by an inverted or downward growth of mucosal glands through the muscularis mucosa into the submucosa. The atypical and distorted mucous glands and the ectopic position of both mucous glands and lakes of mucus in these benign lesions may cause an erroneous diagnosis of well-differentiated carcinoma. Three cases with a differential diagnosis are presented.