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The aim of this study was to study immunohistochemical expressions hMLH1, hMSH2 and Cox-2 in resection colon polyps through endoscopy to check alterations in lesions that can be labeled as premature in the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer. Moreover, the aim was to examine a possible association among the variables: age, sex, localization, size, histology and dysplasia grade. Prospectively, 167 colon polyps were resectioned through endoscopies.All the material was studied through histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The results found do not differ from those reported in international studies and contribute with interesting information, which must be continued in the colorectal cancer research. The conclusions were that due to the high prevalence of polyps in individuals who are over forty years old, the preventive examinations and the immunohistochemistry for hMLH1 and Cox-2 must be performed in adenomas and adenocarcinomas. We can thus contribute both for the prevention and towards the most adequate therapeutics procedure for our patients with pathologies that are potentially malign or who have cancers.

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Graduated in Medicine in the University of Caxias do Sul. Master´s Degree in Gastroenterology in the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. PhD in Clinical Gastroenterology in the Faculty of Medicine of the University of SÆo Paulo. Professor of Medicine in the University of Caxias do Sul, Brazil.

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