Summary

• Predominantly asymptomatic.
• Adenomas are highly prevalent and related to age (individuals >60 years of age), sex (higher incidence in men than in women), and family history (first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer).
• Most colorectal cancers arise in an adenoma (adenoma-carcinoma sequence).
• Polypectomy reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer by up to 90%.
• Polyp surveillance is based upon polyp size, number, and histopathology.
• Familial polyposis syndromes should be considered if many polyps are found, particularly in younger patients.
• Non-neoplastic polyps include hyperplastic polyps, hamartomas, inflammatory polyps, and lymphoid polyps.