Traditional serrated adenoma: an update

Although recognized 25 years ago, the traditional serrated adenoma (TSA) remains an ongoing source of diagnostic and biologic debate. Recent research has greatly improved our understanding of the morphological and molecular aspects of these polyps. In particular, the recognition of ectopic crypt foci (ECFs) in combination with typical cytology and slitlike serrations improves diagnostic reproducibility. Awareness that many TSAs, particularly BRAF-mutated TSAs, arise in precursor microvesicular hyperplastic polyps and sessile serrated adenomas can aid in making this diagnosis and should not be confused with a sessile serrated adenoma with dysplasia. At a molecular level, TSAs can be divided into 2 groups based on their BRAF or KRAS mutation status. The development of overt cytologic dysplasia is accompanied by TP53 mutation, Wnt pathway activation, and, in some cases, silencing of CDKN2A. Importantly, however, mismatch repair enzyme function is retained. Thus, the TSA is an important precursor of aggressive molecular subtypes of colorectal carcinoma.