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Sessile Serrated Lesions
Under the expert care of Dr. Scott at GastroDoxs in Houston, sessile serrated lesions-flat, serrated growths in the colon-are detected early and removed safely. With advanced colonoscopy techniques, personalized guidance, and lifestyle advice, patients receive comprehensive and ongoing follow-up support.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Age over 50
Family history of colon polyps or colon cancer
Smoking
Heavy alcohol use
High intake of red or processed meats
Low-fiber diet
Obesity or lack of regular exercise
History of inflammatory bowel disease
Signs and Symptoms
Often none in early stages
Blood in the stool
Ongoing changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
Unexplained fatigue
Unintended weight loss
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Sessile Serrated Lesions?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your personal and family history of polyps or cancer, evaluates bowel habit changes, smoking/alcohol use and any GI symptoms.
High-Definition Colonoscopy
Using HD scopes with narrow-band imaging or chromoendoscopy, he inspects the colon lining to spot flat or subtle serrated lesions.
Lesion Resection and Pathology
Dr. Scott lifts the lesion with a submucosal injection and performs a snare polypectomy or EMR. The tissue is sent to pathology to confirm serrated histology and check for dysplasia.
Surveillance Planning
Based on pathology results (ICD-10 D12.6 for benign colon polyps), he outlines your follow-up interval-typically 3-5 years-and discusses preventive lifestyle measures.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for sessile serrated lesions.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eating more fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Cutting back on red and processed meats
Drinking more water to support colon health
Staying active with regular exercise
2. Medications
No medications remove serrated lesions directly; focus is on prevention
Prescribing anti-inflammatory or protective agents for related digestive issues
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
High-definition colonoscopy with enhanced imaging to detect flat lesions
Submucosal injection to lift the lesion for safe removal
Snare polypectomy and other advanced endoscopic tools to excise serrated growths
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sessile serrated lesion?
A flat or slightly raised growth in the colon lining with a saw-tooth cell pattern. If not removed, it can progress to colon cancer over time.
Do all sessile serrated lesions become cancer?
No. Many remain without dysplasia (abnormal cells). However, some may develop dysplasia and eventually turn cancerous if left untreated.
When should I get screened?
Most adults should begin colonoscopy screening at age 45. If you have risk factors like family history, smoking, or inflammatory bowel disease, ask Dr. Scott about an earlier start.
How often will I need a follow-up colonoscopy?
If a sessile serrated lesion is removed, you'll typically need a repeat exam in 3 to 5 years. Dr. Scott will tailor the interval based on your individual findings.
Is colonoscopy covered by insurance?
Yes. Most insurance plans cover routine colon cancer screenings. Our team at GastroDoxs can help verify your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can diet prevent these lesions?
A high-fiber diet, limited red/processed meats, adequate hydration, and regular exercise may lower your risk-but they don't replace the need for screening.
What happens during the procedure?
You'll follow a prep diet and take a cleansing solution the day before. On the day of your colonoscopy, you'll receive sedation, and Dr. Scott will inspect and remove any lesions safely.
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