SSLs are thought to lead to colorectal cancer through the (alternate) serrated pathway.

[1][2] This differs from most colorectal cancer, which arises from mutations starting with inactivation of the APC gene.

Diagnosis of this disease is made by the fulfillment of any of the World Health Organization's (WHO) clinical criteria.

[citation needed] Complete removal of a SSL is considered curative.

Several SSLs confer a higher risk of subsequently finding colorectal cancer and warrant more frequent surveillance.