Lower GI endoscopy in polyps and polyposis

Intestinal polyps can be classified by their shape or histological aspect and they can be isolated, multiple, or belonging to polyposis syndromes. The most common isolated intestinal polyps in children are the juvenile (hamartomatous) polyps which represent more than 90% of cases. Several polyposis syndromes exist and they are characterized by the presence of numerous polyps in gastrointestinal tract with an increased risk of developing malignancy compared to general population. These syndromes can be divided into hereditary and non-hereditary forms. Clinically, the intestinal polyposis can cause several symptoms such as changes in intestinal habits, abdominal pain, bloody stools, weight loss, and extraintestinal manifestations including benign and malignant neoplasms in various organs such as thyroid, central nervous system, breast, and genital tract. Because of this systemic involvement, the approach to polyposis must include a series of endoscopic, radiological, clinical, genetic and laboratory probes to diagnose early mucosal lesions and establish appropriate follow-up and therapies.