A patient who has at least one flat adenoma has a higher chance of having multiple lesions with more advanced changes, according to a study published in GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Researchers examined data from three clinical trials conducted at two medical centers that included patients undergoing screening or surveillance colonoscopy. A total of 2,931 polyps were removed in 1,340 patients.
Here are three insights:
1. Of the 1,911 adenomas, 15.3 percent were flat.
2. The analysis showed that the presence of at least one flat adenoma was a predictor of:
• The presence of a large adenoma
• Adenomas with advanced microscopic features
• Three or more adenomas
3. The results of the study could indicate that patients with at least one flat adenoma should be examined more often and more closely than patients with other types of polyps.