Advanced precancerous lesions (APL) in the colonic mucosa

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Most colorectal cancers are preventable. Surveillance colonoscopy is used to detect and remove precancerous lesions. Although the majority of precancerous lesions develop sporadically, some have an inherited component. In this review, we summarize the clinical, pathologic, and molecular features of advanced precancerous lesions of the colon. The most common and clinically important intestinal polyposis syndromes, and their genetics, are also discussed. Finally, current recommendations regarding the treatment and surveillance of precancerous lesions, both in the sporadic and in inherited setting, are reviewed.