What is a serrated adenoma of the colon?

Serrated adenoma is a type of polyp that occurs in the colon. It is characterized by a serrated or saw-toothed appearance under a microscope. Serrated adenomas are less common than conventional adenomas, but they are more likely to become cancerous.

While most serrated adenomas are benign, larger and more complicated ones may carry a risk of turning cancerous in the future. The risk of cancer development is associated with the size, location, and degree of dysplasia (irregular growth) of the polyp.

Serrated adenomas are often asymptomatic, which means they do not cause any noticeable symptoms. They are typically discovered during routine screening tests such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

Treatment for serrated adenomas usually involves removing the polyp through colonoscopy or surgery. If the polyp is benign, regular follow-up tests are recommended to monitor for any new growths or changes. If it is cancerous or has the potential to become cancerous, further treatment such as surgery or chemotherapy may be necessary. It is important to have regular colonoscopies to detect any potential polyps early, as this increases the chance of successfully treating them.