Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and the second in females, with an estimated 1.4 million cases and 693,900 deaths in 2012. Colonoscopy is the cornerstone for the detection and prevention of CRC. In addition, endoscopic treatment for CRC at an early stage can effectively improve patients' quality of life and cure rate.
Summary: This review focuses on endoscopic approaches, including white light endoscopy, chromoendoscopy, magnifying endoscopy and therapeutic endoscopy, for the evaluation and treatment of superficial colorectal neoplasms.
Key message: Understanding the preoperative evaluation, indications and techniques of endoscopic mucosal resection/endoscopic submucosal dissection as well as postoperative surveillance for superficial colorectal neoplasms is critical for providing appropriate management to the patients.
Practical implications: Endoscopic therapy, a method preserving organ function and improving quality of life, is a widely applied microinvasive treatment for superficial colorectal neoplasms. This review describes the basics and developments of endoscopic approaches and may facilitate daily practice for superficial colorectal neoplasms.
Keywords: Early colorectal cancer; Endoscopic mucosal resection; Endoscopic submucosal dissection; Laterally spreading tumor.