Macroscopic Classificatrion of Early Colorectal Carcinoma: A Comparison Between Japan and China

• Published in: Digestive endoscopy Vol. 12; no. 4; pp. 322 - 326
• Main Authors: Wang, Fang-yu, Hirata, Ichiro, Katsu, Ken-ichi, Zhu, Ren-min, Itoh, Masahiro, Mitooka, Hideki, Kashida, Hiroshi, Shinmizu, Seiji, Imamura, Akimichi, Tsuruta, Osamu, Yu, Zhong-lin, Xiao, Shu-dong, Zhang, Zhi-hong, Xu, Zhao-min
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne, Australia Blackwell Science Pty 01.10.2000
• Subjects: China; early colorectal carcinoma; endoscopic diagnosis; Japan; macroscopic classification
• ISSN: 0915-5635; 1443-1661
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1443-1661.2000.00071.x

Background: To clarify the similarities and dissimilarities in the macroscopic classification criteria for early colorectal carcinoma (CRC) between Japan and China. Methods: Six early CRC cases were included in this study. Eleven Japanese and Chinese endoscopists were asked to review the colonoscopic pictures of these cases, including before and after indigocarmine spraying. After viewing the pictures, all the endoscopists individually made their classificatory diagnoses of these cases and indicated the findings on which they based each diagnosis. Results: Some lesions diagnosed by Japanese endoscopists as IIa or IIa + IIc, might be classified as Is or Isp by Chinese endoscopists. For superficial lesions consisting of elevation with central depression, IIa + depression, IIa + IIc or IIc + IIa were classified according to the ratio of elevated area/depressed area. However, international as well as interobserver differences still existed in the classification of such lesions. In addition, most Chinese endoscopists overlooked the slightly depressed part on the top of a protruded lesion. Conclusion: Discrepancies on macroscopic classification for early CRC do exist between Japanese and Chinese endoscopists, which were found not only in terminology, but also in recognition of some lesions. In order to develop a universal macroscopic classification, there is a great need for international communication and cooperation.