Complications Linked To Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis is a rare genetic condition caused by a defective APC gene. The majority of individuals with the condition inherit the condition, although about twenty-five to thirty percent of patients experience a spontaneous genetic mutation. Familial adenomatous polyposis makes unnecessary tissue form in the rectum and large intestine. Some patients also have polyps in the upper intestinal tract, particularly the upper portion of the small intestine. Though the condition doesn't start out cancerous, there is an extremely high likelihood untreated polyps will become cancerous later in life. Most patients with familial adenomatous polyposis eventually have their large intestine surgically removed to mitigate the risk of developing cancer.