Current status and future perspective of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment for colorectal neoplasia - situation in Taiwan.

摘要

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is rising substantially in Taiwan. Hence, both effective screening and management of colorectal neoplasms, including precursor lesions and early cancers, have become critically important. Colorectal cancer is not only curable, but also can be managed endoscopically if detected at the stage of precursor lesions or early cancer. Optimal management of colorectal neoplasia relies largely on accurate evaluation of the characteristics of lesions, including malignant transformation, and the depth of invasion of the malignant lesions. In this context, observation using image enhancing endoscopy (IEE) to magnify the image during colonoscopy is of utmost importance. Polypectomy or endoscopic mucosal resection is now the standard procedure for the treatment of colorectal adenoma or early cancerous lesions in Taiwan. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is performed at only a few institutions; its long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness require further elucidation. More attention from the government, academic societies, and individual clinicians is necessary.