Colonic polyps - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Colorectal polyps (adenomas) are predominantly asymptomatic.
Adenomas are highly prevalent and incidence is related to older age, male sex, and family history (first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer).
Most colorectal cancers arise in an adenoma (adenoma-carcinoma sequence).
Colonoscopic polypectomy is diagnostic and therapeutic. Polypectomy reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer by up to 90%.
Surveillance after polypectomy is based upon polyp size, number, and histopathology.

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History & Exam
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Diagnostics Tests
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Images

Sessile serrated lesion in white light (arrows indicate locations of margin)
Same sessile serrated lesion with chromoendoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy polyp
This image shows a transition from areas of low-grade dysplasia (left) to high-grade dysplasia (right)
Colonic adenoma pre-excision
Postpolypectomy

Citations

Key Articles

Rex DK, Boland CR, Dominitz JA, et al. Colorectal cancer screening: recommendations for physicians and patients from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force On Colorectal Cancer. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017 Jul;112(7):1016-30.[Abstract][Full Text]
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: colon cancer [internet publication].[Full Text]
Lieberman DA, Rex DK, Winawer SJ, et al. Guidelines for colonoscopy surveillance after screening and polypectomy: a consensus update by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology. 2012 Sep;143(3):844-57.[Abstract][Full Text]

Referenced Articles

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