colorectal adenoma
(KOH-loh-REK-tul A-deh-NOH-muh)
A common type of polyp (abnormal growth) that forms on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Colorectal adenomas are made up of gland-like tissue, vary in size and shape, and have different growth patterns. There are different types of colorectal adenomas, based on how they look under a microscope. These include tubular, villous, tubulovillous, and serrated adenomas. Colorectal adenomas are not cancer, but they are more likely to become cancer than other types of polyps if they are not removed.