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Incidental Young-Onset Adenomas: Sporadic Findings or Harbingers of Increased Colon Cancer Risk?

  • Genetics in Gastroenterology Practice (BW Katona, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of review

We aimed to determine whether young-onset adenomas increased the risk for colorectal cancer by determining the adenoma prevalence, risk factors associated with young-onset adenomas, as well as the need for surveillance colonoscopies in the young-adult population (age < 50).

Recent findings

By examining multiple meta-analyses and systematic review studies, we determined that while adenoma rates are lower in young adults (age < 45) compared to those > age 50, subsets of young adults are at higher risk of adenoma formation and therefore may have increased colorectal cancer risk. Therefore, surveillance colonoscopy may be beneficial for patients aged 40–49 years of age to reduce colorectal cancer risk, particularly in young-adult patients presenting with concerning symptoms, such as bright red blood per rectum, those found to have high-risk advanced adenomas, and those with risk factors associated with higher adenoma detection rates including diabetes, male gender, and metabolic syndrome.

Summary

Young adults found to have adenomas may warrant both close surveillance with colonoscopy as well as hereditary cancer risk assessment and genetic testing to identify underlying hereditary cancer syndromes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, NH, Hanover, USA

    Yasmin Kamal PhD

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Precision Medicine, Division of Clinical Cancer Genetics, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, CA, Duarte, USA

    Gregory Idos MD, MS

Authors
  1. Yasmin Kamal PhD
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  2. Gregory Idos MD, MS
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Correspondence to Gregory Idos MD, MS.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Genetics in Gastroenterology Practice

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Kamal, Y., Idos, G. Incidental Young-Onset Adenomas: Sporadic Findings or Harbingers of Increased Colon Cancer Risk?. Curr Treat Options Gastro 20, 122–132 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11938-022-00375-0

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