What is an FAP condition?
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract. FAP leads to hundreds or thousands or polyps inside the colon or rectum. (hereditary polyposis of the colorectum, familial polyposis, Gardner’s syndrome)
What are the causes of FAP?
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare, inherited condition caused by a defect in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. Most people inherit the gene from a parent. But for 25 to 30 percent of people, the genetic mutation occurs spontaneously.
Does FAP skip a generation?
FAP does not skip generations. In the past, neither doctors nor scientists could predict who would be diagnosed with FAP until adenomas developed in the large intestine. However, in 1991, the gene responsible for FAP was discovered and was named the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli, or APC, gene.
Is FAP treatable?
There is no known medical cure for FAP. Surgery is required because of the large number of adenomas and the 100 per cent risk of colon cancer. In FAP, removal of the large bowel, or colon, is standard treatment and is called colectomy.
Is 20 polyps a lot?
“A diminutive polyp is only about the size of a match head,” he says. “A large polyp can be almost as big as the average person’s thumb.” Polyps larger than 20 millimeters have a 10 percent chance of already having cancer in them.
How long can you live with FAP?
Patients with untreated FAP have a median life expectancy of 42 years. Life expectancy is extended greatly in those treated with colectomy. Upper gastrointestinal cancers and desmoid tumors are the most common causes of death in patients who have undergone colectomy.
Is FAP serious?
Without treatment, patients with FAP have a nearly 100% lifetime risk of colorectal cancer. The chance of developing colorectal cancer increases with age; the average age at which people are diagnosed with cancer is 39.
Is 5 colon polyps a lot?
If the colonoscopy finds one or two small polyps (5 mm in diameter or smaller), you are considered at relatively low risk. Most people will not have to return for a follow-up colonoscopy for at least five years, and possibly longer.
What is the average number of polyps found in colonoscopy?
The average BBPS was 7.2 ± 1.5, and adequate bowel preparation (a score of ≥ 2 in each segment of the colon) was achieved in 88.2 % of patients (1709 /1937). The mean number of endoscopically detected polyps per procedure was 1.5 ± 2.3 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.4 – 1.6).