Endoscopic Recognition and Classification of Colorectal Polyps

Colonoscopy allows the performing endoscopist to thoroughly evaluate superficial colon lesions based on morphologic features such as size, location, shape, and surface pattern and also perform endoscopic resection where appropriate. Different elements of polyp characterization have been incorporated into systems that standardize this evaluation process and elucidate the likelihood of submucosal invasion or malignancy. Lesions which have invaded the submucosa are more likely to metastasize and are often not appropriate for endoscopic resection. It is, therefore, essential for the proceduralist to understand the multiple elements of lesion characterization and how they fit into the existing classification schemes.