The clinical significance of serrated polyps.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disorder than arises via multiple distinct pathways, such as the serrated pathway, in which serrated polyps (including variants of hyperplastic polyps) are the precursor lesions. Approximately 15-20% of all CRCs arise via the serrated pathway, and these serrated carcinomas are clinically, morphologically, and molecularly distinct from conventional CRCs. The prevention of serrated carcinomas represents an important clinical challenge. Gastroenterologists need to recognize and remove potential precursor lesions and implement a post-polypectomy surveillance program when appropriate. This article focuses on the characteristics and significance of clinically relevant serrated polyps and addresses implications for CRC prevention practices.
Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA. christopher.huang@bmc.org
Christopher S
CS
Huang
Francis A
FA
Farraye
Shi
S
Yang
Michael J
MJ
O'Brien
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D000367:Age Factors; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018899:CpG Islands / Q000235:genetics; D019175:DNA Methylation; D018450:Disease Progression; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D006801:Humans; D008967:Molecular Biology; D009154:Mutation; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / Q000235:genetics; D012307:Risk Factors
C482119:BRAF protein, human; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf