Name of the Condition

• Benign Neoplasm of Ascending Colon
• Non-cancerous tumor of the ascending colon

Summary

A benign neoplasm of the ascending colon is a non-cancerous growth found within the ascending part of the large intestine. While these growths are not malignant, they may require monitoring or removal to prevent potential complications.

Causes

• The exact cause is often unknown.
• May develop due to abnormal cell growth within the colon lining.

Risk Factors

• Age: More common in older adults.
• Family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer.
• Lifestyle factors: Diet high in fat and low in fiber, smoking, alcohol use.
• Obesity and physical inactivity.

Symptoms

• Often asymptomatic, especially in early stages.
• Possible symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort, changes in bowel habits, or blood in the stool.

Diagnosis

• Colonoscopy: Allows direct visualization and potential biopsy of the neoplasm.
• Imaging studies: Such as a CT scan, to assess the size and extent.
• Histological examination after biopsy to confirm the non-cancerous nature.

Treatment Options

• Observation: Small, asymptomatic neoplasms may simply be monitored.
• Polypectomy: Non-invasive surgical removal during a colonoscopy.
• Surgical resection: In rare cases where the polyp is large or causing symptoms, surgery may be needed.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Generally good prognosis with appropriate treatment.
• Regular follow-up colonoscopies to monitor for new growths or recurrence.

Complications

• If untreated, certain benign neoplasms can develop into malignant forms.
• Rarely, large neoplasms can cause bowel obstruction or bleeding.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
• Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Experiencing symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, blood in stool, or unexplained weight loss warrants medical evaluation.

Additional Resources

• American Cancer Society: cancer.org
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: niddk.nih.gov
• Colon Cancer Support Group: coloncancersupport.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the neoplasm is explicitly documented as benign; malignant neoplasms have different coding.
• Double-check the anatomical location to code specifically for the ascending colon (D12.2).
• Be cautious of documentation ambiguities that might lead to coding errors.