The changing pattern of juvenile polyps.

The juvenile polyp, the most common tumor of the colon in children, is considered to be benign with no potential for malignancy. This review reveals a changing spectrum of findings; 53% of the patients have multiple polyps and 60% of the polyps are found proximal to the sigmoid colon. Recent data suggesting that juvenile polyps have a potential for malignancy are discussed. A diagnostic and therapeutic approach is proposed based on advances which have occurred in diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy in the past decade.