Diagnosis and Treatment of Diminutive Polyps in the Colon

Abstract

Colonoscopy and polypectomy reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) by detecting and removing colorectal adenomas. Diminutive polyps (1–5 mm) account for 75% of all polyps found but rarely contain or progress to CRC. Although a high adenoma detection rate (ADR) is associated with improved cancer prevention, the increase in detection of diminutive polyps also increases costs associated with CRC prevention programs. This review provides an update on endoscopic management and considerations related to diminutive colorectal polyps. Recent studies show that only 0–4.3% of diminutive polyps show advanced features and progression into CRC is extremely rare. Advances in endoscopic imaging have improved the ADR for screening colonoscopy, mostly as a result of greater detection of diminutive and hyperplastic polyps. A resect and discard strategy for these low-risk diminutive polyps could reduce the need for pathologic assessment and is included in society guidelines with recommendations on imaging modalities, classification, and endoscopist benchmarks. To ensure complete resection, cold snare polypectomy is emerging as the most efficient and safest method of removal. A recent guideline review showed that fecal immunochemical testing is generally the preferred first-line screening test in average-risk adults. Post-polypectomy surveillance intervals may increase in the future as evidence on the management and outcomes of diminutive polyps which is assimilated. High detection rates of diminutive polyps result in more surveillance colonoscopies and higher healthcare costs, with unclear benefit for CRC prevention. Optical diagnosis and strategies such as resect and discard may help to reduce costs. The performance of high-quality colonoscopies and strict adherence to recommended surveillance intervals will also optimize the effectiveness of screening programs.