Introduction

: Colorectal cancer is currently the second most frequent neoplasm. Most of them are sporadic, another small proportion corresponds to hereditary forms. However, it is estimated that in 15-20% of cases there may be an associated hereditary component. First-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer constitute a universe with a higher risk of developing this disease than that of the general population, so screening is recommended in these individuals.

Objective

: To determine the frequency of adenomatous polyps in individuals with first-degree relatives diagnosed with colon cancer.

Methods

: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out, including 126 adult relatives with first-degree blood relatives with colon cancer, who underwent colonoscopy at the Institute of Gastroenterology between December 2019 and December 2021. The characteristics of the adenomatous polyps found are described.

Results

: The mean for age was 55.9 ± 10.6, women predominated: 94 (74.6 %). Thirty-nine (30.9 %) adenomatous polyps were found; 27 (69.2 %) were sessile and 12 (30.7 %) pedunculated; in 26 (66.7 %) the size was less than 10 mm. The majority, 37 (94.8 %), were of the tubular type. Diversity was observed as to the location of the lesions, with no predominance in any anatomical segment.

Conclusions

: Precursor lesions of colorectal cancer, such as adenomatous polyps, are common in asymptomatic individuals with first-degree relatives who have had this malignancy.

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