BACKGROUND: The importance of identifying flat colorectal neoplasms is increasingly appreciated, although the extent of prevalence of these lesions in a general population is not known. OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent of prevalence of flat neoplasms in a diverse population undergoing routine endoscopic screening for colorectal cancer. DESIGN: Patients referred to the Colorectal Cancer Screening Clinic over a 12-month period (n = 642). RESULTS: The patient population was 56% African American and 21% Caucasian; with a mean age of 59 + or - 9 years. Flat neoplasms were detected in 5.5% of all patients, similar to that reported elsewhere, with extent of prevalence being similar regardless of gender or race. Average size of flat neoplasms was of 2.8 + or - 2.3 mm (range 1-20 mm). However, there was no evidence of advanced pathology in any of the flat neoplasms identified. CONCLUSIONS: Flat neoplasms are common but may not be associated with advanced pathology in a population undergoing routine screening.
BACKGROUND: The importance of identifying flat colorectal neoplasms is increasingly appreciated, although the extent of prevalence of these lesions in a general population is not known. OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent of prevalence of flat neoplasms in a diverse population undergoing routine endoscopic screening for colorectal cancer. DESIGN:Patients referred to the Colorectal Cancer Screening Clinic over a 12-month period (n = 642). RESULTS: The patient population was 56% African American and 21% Caucasian; with a mean age of 59 + or - 9 years. Flat neoplasms were detected in 5.5% of all patients, similar to that reported elsewhere, with extent of prevalence being similar regardless of gender or race. Average size of flat neoplasms was of 2.8 + or - 2.3 mm (range 1-20 mm). However, there was no evidence of advanced pathology in any of the flat neoplasms identified. CONCLUSIONS:Flat neoplasms are common but may not be associated with advanced pathology in a population undergoing routine screening.