BJ Hoskins et al. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2026 Apr 24. Open Access! Incidental Colorectal Adenomas in Adolescents: Clinical Management, Genetic Evaluation, and Surveillance (Review article)
Key points:
- “Although most isolated colorectal adenomas identified in adolescents are ultimately sporadic, their rarity at this age justifies a lower threshold for genetic evaluation—without routine shortening of surveillance intervals in the absence of hereditary disease”
- “Current guidelines recommend initiating upper gastrointestinal surveillance at age 20–25 years for FAP and attenuated FAP [17]. Notably, a meta-analysis reported that 42% of children with FAP who underwent EGD had duodenal adenomas…, supporting the biological rationale for upper gastrointestinal screening once a polyposis syndrome is identified”
- Table 1 lists polyposis syndromes that can be associated with isolated adenomas in adolescents
- “All visible adenomas should be completely removed when technically feasible'”




My take: This review provides useful guidance when identifying an adenomatous polyp in the pediatric age group.
Related blog posts:
- ESPGHAN Juvenile Polyposis Position Paper While the polyps described are not tubular adenomatous polyps, it is noted that guidelines in adults recommend followup in 5-10 years for a single (non-serrated) adenomatous polyp (Polyps: Clinical Decision Tool).
- Updated Guidelines on Genetic Testing/management for Hereditary GI Cancer Syndromes
- Surprising Genetic Mutations in Polyposis Study
- Polyposis in Pediatric Patients -Review
- Consensus guidelines after polypectomy | gutsandgrowth
- Adenoma Detection Rate: Life or Death Quality Measure
- Cold vs Hot Polypectomy for Small Polyps (2023)
- How to Do a Colonoscopic Polypectomy & U.S. COVID-19 Tracker
- How Benign Are Juvenile Polyps?
- Adverse Events Following Pediatric Endoscopy -Previously Underestimated
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