Colon polyps: updates in classification and management

Abstract

Purpose of review Colon polyps are potential precursors to colorectal cancer (CRC), which remains one of the most common causes of cancer-associated death. The proper identification and management of these colorectal polyps is an important quality measure for colonoscopy outcomes. Here, we review colon polyp epidemiology, their natural history, and updates in endoscopic classification and management. Recent findings Colon polyps that form from not only the adenoma, but also the serrated polyp pathway have significant risk for future progression to CRC. Therefore, correct identification and management of sessile serrated lesions can improve the quality of screening colonoscopy. Malignant polyp recognition continues to be heavily reliant on well established endoscopic classification systems and plays an important role in intraprocedural management decisions. Hot snare remains the gold standard for pedunculated polyp resection. Nonpedunculated noninvasive lesions can be effectively removed by large forceps if diminutive, but cold snare is preferred for colon polyps 3–20 mm in diameter. Larger lesions at least 20 mm require endoscopic mucosal resection. Polyps with the endoscopic appearance of submucosal invasion require surgical referral or advanced endoscopic resection in select cases. Advances in artificial intelligence may revolutionize endoscopic polyp classification and improve both patient and cost-related outcomes of colonoscopy. Summary Clinicians should be aware of the most recent updates in colon polyp classification and management to provide the best care to their patients initiating screening colonoscopy.

The Interplay among Wnt/β-Catenin Family Members in Colorectal Adenomas and Surrounding Tissues

“…Therefore, the development of multiple colonic polyps with malignant potential will result in an increased lifetime risk of developing CRC. At least three subtypes of polyps can be distinguished on the basis of histology and the underlying molecular pathway: adenomatous, serrated or hyperplastic (non-neoplastic) [10][11][12]. The first are characterized by an adenomatous histotype, whereas both sessile/traditional serrated adenomas and hyperplastic polyps have a serrated histotype [13].…”