How to know if colonic polyps that less than 5 mm are of any importance?

Should be removed: Colon polyps of any size are importance as some can be adenomatous polyps which are considered premalignant if not already malignant. Many small polyps will be hyperplastic which are of no concern but their nature is not known unless removed for pathological analysis. Many colon cancers can be prevented by removal of polyps before they become malignant. All should have a colonoscopy by age 50.