A recent report in the news and medical journals highlight the importance of finding all polyps in the colon.  A recent journal article has shown that as many 9 % on polyps can be a "flat"  In addition, these flat polyps may be more likely to be cancerous.

Most colon polyp/cancer tests rely on finding a growth in the colon which is raised or elevated.  The large size of a polyp makes it easier to be detected with colonoscopy or xrays.  When a polyp is flat, the surface is not raised or elevated.  The flat lesions are more difficult to detect especially with xray testing.

The recent report underlines the importance of getting the best available testing for colon polyps/cancer.  While no test is perfect, the best test for finding all polyps including "flat polyps" is a high quality colonoscopy.