In this study we did not find an association between the XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism and colorectal carcinoma, but we did find an association between the XPD 751Gln allele and colorectal adenomas, especially with the low-risk adenomas (OR 1.40, 95 % CI 1.03–1.89). Here, ERCC2 is linked to colorectal adenoma.