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AIM: To evaluate the frequency of the loss of the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) protein and to compare the APC status with the characteristics of colorectal adenomas.METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis of the APC protein was performed on 118 adenomas and the results were compared with parameters of malignant potential,location of adenomas, macroscopic appearance and age of the patients.RESULTS: A complete loss of the APC protein was found in 28 (24%) adenomas, while 90 (76%) were APC positive. The mean size of adenomas was 13.5 ± 14.2 mm (95% CI 10.5-16.5) in APC-positive, and 13.8 ± 15.5mm (95% CI 7.8-19.8) in APC-negative adenomas (P = 0.364). Statistical analysis revealed no difference between APC-positive and negative adenomas as to the histological type (P = 0.327) and grade of dysplasia (P =0.494). We found that even advanced adenomas did not differ in their APC status from the non-advanced tumors (P = 0.414). Finally, no difference was found when the location (P = 0.157), macroscopic appearance (P =0.571) and age of patients (P = 0.438) were analysed and compared between both APC positive and negative adenomas.CONCLUSION: Most adenomas expressed full-length APC protein, suggesting that protein expression is not a reliable marker for assessment of APC gene mutation.Complete loss of APC protein did not influence morphology, location, or appearance of adenomas, nor was it affected by the patients age.