Which statement best describes hyperplastic polyps of the colon?

Which statement best describes hyperplastic polyps of the colon?

• A. Hyperplastic polyps are the most common histologic type by far, but only rarely become cancerous
• B. Hyperplastic polyps are the most common histologic type by far and commonly become cancerous
• C. Hyperplastic polyps never occur in the colon
• D. Hyperplastic polyps have no clinical significance

Answer: (A)

Hyperplastic polyps are the most common colorectal polyp type and are benign. They’re usually small and found in the distal colon and rectum. Histologically they show a sawtooth serrated pattern but do not have dysplasia, and they carry essentially no risk of progressing to cancer. In contrast, cancer risk in the colon is more linked to adenomatous polyps and certain serrated lesions that do carry malignant potential. So the best description is that they’re the most common type by far and only rarely become cancerous.

Hyperplastic polyps are the most common colorectal polyp type and are benign. They’re usually small and found in the distal colon and rectum. Histologically they show a sawtooth serrated pattern but do not have dysplasia, and they carry essentially no risk of progressing to cancer. In contrast, cancer risk in the colon is more linked to adenomatous polyps and certain serrated lesions that do carry malignant potential. So the best description is that they’re the most common type by far and only rarely become cancerous.