Characteristics of Diminutive Colorectal Polyps in Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy in an Educational, Therapeutic Hospital in Western Iran

Background and Aims: Limited information is available on the frequency of advanced adenomas in diminutive colon polyps. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the pathological characteristics and the frequency of high-grade dysplasia in diminutive colorectal polyps in individuals referred to colonoscopy examination in Kermanshah, Iran. Materials and Methods: Demographics characteristics, location and diameter of the polyp, histological assessment of the polyps, grade, and others were retrieved from colonoscopy reports. Results and Conclusions: During the study period, 250 diminutive colorectal polyps were detected. The histological assessment showed that 36.4% were adenomatous, 32.8% were hyperplastic, and 30.8% were inflammatory polyps. Only two diminutive polyps (0.8%) had high-grade dysplasia, and the frequency of adenocarcinoma in our study was 0.4%. Besides, the frequency of adenomatous polyps was higher in the proximal versus the distal colon. These findings emphasize the urgent need for a colorectal cancer screening plan in the Iranian population to improve therapeutic outcomes.