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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2002; 15(2): 131-138
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-32061
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Colon Polyp Surveillance

Andrew Catanzaro1 , Amitabh Chak1 , Harry Reynolds2
  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
  • 2Division of Surgery,University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
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Publication History

Publication Date:
06 June 2002 (online)

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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

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