Compositions and methods for detecting sessile serrated adenomas/polyps

A method of detecting a sessile serrated adenoma/polyp (SSA/P) in a subject, the method comprising:

• a. determining the level of expression of nucleic acids in a molecular signature in a biological sample obtained from the subject, wherein the molecular signature consists of CHFR, CHGA, CLDN1, KIZ, MEGF6, NTRK2, PLA2G16, PTAFR, SBSPON, SMEG1, SLC7A9, SPIRE1, and TACTD2, and optionally includes one or more of FOXD1, PIK3R3, PRUNE2, TPD52L1, TRIB2, C4BPA, CPE, DPP10, GRAMD1B, GRIN2D, KLK7, MYNC, TM4SF4 and a one or more nucleic acid used as a normalization control;
• b. comparing the level of expression of each nucleic acid in the molecular signature to a reference value;
• c. detecting a SSA/P in the subject based on the level of expression of each nucleic acid in the molecular signature relative to the reference value, wherein SSA/P is detected when CHFR, CHGA, and NTRK2 are decreased relative to the reference value, and when CLDN1, KIZ, MEGF6, PLA2G16, PTAFR, SBSPON, SMEG1, SLC7A0, SPIRE1, and TACSTD2 are increased relative to the reference value, and the reference value is the level of expression of each nucleic acid in the molecular signature in a non-diseased sample or hyperplastic polyp sample;
• and
• d. removing the SSA/P by a method selected from polypectomy, endoscopic resection and surgical resection.