DALM, rest in peace: a pathologist's perspective on dysplasia in inflammatory bowel disease in the post-DALM era

There are few abbreviations in surgical pathology that are associated with as much immediate recognition, frustration, and confusion as DALM (dysplasia-associated lesion or mass). DALM is used to describe endoscopically visible dysplastic lesions in the surveillance of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. However, the diagnosis of DALM has been complicated by the inconsistent criteria and use of terminology for describing dysplasia in inflammatory bowel disease, and a tendency to relate DALM with the need for colectomy. Fortunately, advancements in both endoscopic visualization and local excision capability have allowed for a more defined management of dysplasia in inflammatory bowel disease. In 2015, the Surveillance for Colorectal Endoscopic Neoplasia Detection and Management in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients International Consensus Recommendations (SCENIC) Development Panel, a panel of predominantly expert gastroenterologists and endoscopists in surveillance of inflammatory bowel disease, published a consensus statement. One recommendation was to abandon DALM-related terminology in favor of endoscopic descriptors modified from the Paris endoscopic classification. Recommendations on surveillance and management of dysplastic lesions were also provided. Nevertheless, interval carcinomas and metachronous neoplasia remain persistent issues. This review aims to provide an update on the post-DALM terminology and management recommendations for inflammatory bowel disease-associated dysplasia necessary for a meaningful communication between pathologists and clinicians.