Sessile serrated lesions (SSLs) are flat or slightly raised polyps that grow on the lining of the colon. Under the microscope they show a "saw-tooth" pattern. Although SSLs are not cancerous at first, they can develop into colon cancer over time if not detected and removed early.
Most SSLs don't cause noticeable symptoms. When signs do appear, they may include:
While the exact cause of SSLs isn't fully understood, these factors increase your risk:
With a patient-centered approach and cutting-edge GI technology, GastroDoxs in Jersey Village delivers expert screening, safe lesion removal, and personalized follow-up plans to keep your colon healthy. Our board-certified physicians and caring team make early detection easy and stress-free. Don't wait-schedule your colonoscopy or consultation today and take control of your digestive health.
We've successfully treated more than 48K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
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Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
A sessile serrated lesion is a flat or slightly raised polyp on the lining of the colon that has a saw-tooth pattern under the microscope and can develop into cancer if not removed early.
While these lesions are not cancerous when first found, they can progress to colon cancer over time if they're not detected and removed promptly.
Yes, SSLs follow the "serrated pathway," which may lead to cancer faster than some other types of polyps, so removal and monitoring are important.
High-grade dysplasia indicates the cells in the removed tissue look more abnormal under the microscope, signaling a higher risk of cancer development.
SSLs are detected during a colonoscopy using high-resolution imaging and careful inspection of the colon lining.
Most sessile serrated lesions are removed during colonoscopy by snaring the polyp with a wire loop or by performing an endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).
After removal, mild bleeding or cramping can occur, but serious complications are rare when the procedure is performed by experienced GI specialists.
Follow-up colonoscopy is typically recommended every 3-5 years, depending on the size, number, and pathology results of the removed lesion.
Yes, adopting a high-fiber diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and limiting red meat can help lower the risk of developing new SSLs.
At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, our board-certified gastroenterologists use advanced tools and personalized care to diagnose, remove, and monitor SSLs for your peace of mind.
