American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What is classified as stage 2 in the Haggitt classification?

1. Invasion into mucosa, head

2. Invasion into submucosa

3. Invasion into mucosa, neck

4. No invasion of the mucosa

The correct answer is: Invasion into mucosa, neck

Stage 2 in the Haggitt classification refers specifically to the invasion of the mucosa at the neck of a polyp. The Haggitt classification system is used primarily for assessing the depth of invasion of colorectal carcinomas arising from polyps, which is crucial for determining prognosis and therapeutic approaches. In this context, invasion of the mucosa at the neck indicates a more significant degree of penetration compared to other stages that involve either the head or deeper structures like the submucosa. The presence of this invasion suggests a potential for greater malignancy, making it an important factor in clinical decision-making related to treatment and surveillance. Understanding the stages of the Haggitt classification is vital for surgical oncologists as it helps guide the management of patients with colorectal polyps and associated malignancies.