Polyp features that affect risk

When polyps are removed, a pathologist examines them under a microscope to identify cellular changes, known as dysplasia. This describes how irregular the cells appear.

• Low-grade dysplasia. This indicates early or mild precancerous change. The cells show some unusual changes, but the risk of cancer is low. Most small tubular adenomas fall into this category and are managed with standard follow-up intervals.
• High-grade dysplasia. This describes more-advanced precancerous change. The cells look significantly more atypical, and the risk of developing cancer is higher. When high-grade dysplasia is found, closer surveillance and earlier repeat colonoscopy are recommended.

These features help determine how soon your next colonoscopy should be scheduled and guide long-term colorectal cancer prevention.

Finding and removing polyps is common and is one of the main ways that colonoscopy helps prevent colorectal cancer.