From the Research
For a 7mm sessile serrated adenoma found during colonoscopy, the recommended follow-up is a surveillance colonoscopy in 3-5 years, as supported by the most recent study 1. This timing is based on the size and type of the polyp, with sessile serrated adenomas requiring careful monitoring due to their potential to develop into colorectal cancer through the serrated pathway. The 7mm size places this polyp in a low to intermediate risk category. It's essential that the initial polyp was completely removed with clear margins during the colonoscopy. Some key points to consider include:
- If there were multiple polyps found, if the polyp was difficult to remove completely, or if you have additional risk factors such as a family history of colorectal cancer, your gastroenterologist might recommend a shorter interval of 3 years rather than 5.
- After the first surveillance colonoscopy, if no new advanced adenomas are found, subsequent colonoscopies can typically be extended to every 5 years.
- However, if additional serrated lesions are found during surveillance, more frequent monitoring may be needed.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limited red meat consumption, and avoiding smoking can help reduce your risk of developing additional polyps, as suggested by various studies 2, 3, 4. The most recent and highest quality study 1 provides the best evidence for guiding the management of sessile serrated adenomas, emphasizing the importance of surveillance colonoscopy in preventing colorectal cancer. Other studies, such as 5, provide additional insights into the characteristics and risks associated with sessile serrated adenomas, but the study by 1 offers the most up-to-date and relevant guidance for clinical practice.