Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (pronounced: fuh-MILL-ee-ul ad-uh-NO-muh-tuss puh-LIP-uh-siss), often abbreviated as FAP, is a rare, inherited condition characterized by the development of many (adenomatous) polyps in the colon and rectum.
Etymology
The term "Familial Adenomatous Polyposis" is derived from the following roots: "Familial" (from Latin familia meaning 'family'), indicating that the condition is inherited; "Adenomatous" (from Greek aden meaning 'gland' and -oma meaning 'tumor'), referring to the type of polyps that develop; and "Polyposis" (from Greek polys meaning 'many' and -osis meaning 'condition'), indicating the presence of many polyps.
Definition
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis is a genetic disorder that is characterized by the growth of hundreds to thousands of polyps in the colon and rectum at a very young age, usually in teenage years. If left untreated, it significantly increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and anemia. However, many people with FAP may not have symptoms until the polyps have grown large or become cancerous.
Causes
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis is caused by mutations in the APC gene, which provides instructions for making a protein that helps control cell growth. This mutation is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.
Treatment
Treatment for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis often involves surgery to remove the colon and rectum, as well as regular follow-up endoscopies and biopsies to monitor for the development of new polyps or cancer.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
- Wikipedia's article - Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
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