ABSTRACT
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Screening and surveillance for colorectal cancer are becoming more widespread, which accounts for the decreased incidence of colorectal cancer in the last decade. Endoscopic resection of adenomatous polyps has been shown to significantly decrease the incidence of colorectal cancer. The follow-up of patients after removal of adenomatous polyps is imperative as many of these patients still have a significant risk of developing colorectal cancer. For patients with adenomas found on an index colonoscopy, a repeat examination should be performed in 3 years. The age of the patient, number of polyps discovered, size of the polyps, family history, and histology of polyps are all important factors in defining the surveillance interval. In patients with numerous polyps, large polyps, and malignant polyps the surveillance interval should be less than 3 years. Surveillance programs need to be individualized to patients' underlying medical conditions and risk of colorectal cancer.
KEYWORDS
Colon polyps - colorectal cancer - adenomas - surveillance guidelines
