Multiple Polyposis of the Colon: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Multiple Polyposis of the Colon

Multiple polyposis of the colon is a condition characterized by the growth of numerous polyps in the large intestine (colon). These polyps are usually benign, but some can become cancerous if not removed.

Types of Multiple Polyposis of the Colon

There are two main types of multiple polyposis of the colon:

• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited condition that causes the growth of hundreds to thousands of polyps in the colon. FAP is caused by a mutation in the APC gene.
• Attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (AFAP) is a less severe form of FAP that causes the growth of fewer polyps. AFAP is also caused by a mutation in the APC gene, but the mutation is different from the one that causes FAP.

Symptoms of Multiple Polyposis of the Colon

The symptoms of multiple polyposis of the colon can vary depending on the number and size of the polyps. Some people may not have any symptoms, while others may experience:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Rectal bleeding
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Diagnosis of Multiple Polyposis of the Colon

Multiple polyposis of the colon can be diagnosed with a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the rectum and colon. The camera allows the doctor to see the inside of the colon and look for polyps.

Treatment of Multiple Polyposis of the Colon

The treatment for multiple polyposis of the colon depends on the number and size of the polyps. If the polyps are small and there are only a few of them, they may be removed during a colonoscopy. If the polyps are large or there are many of them, surgery may be necessary to remove the colon.

Prevention of Multiple Polyposis of the Colon

There is no way to prevent familial adenomatous polyposis, but regular colonoscopies can help to find and remove polyps before they become cancerous. People with a family history of FAP should begin having colonoscopies at a young age, usually around age 10 or 12.

Prognosis of Multiple Polyposis of the Colon

The prognosis for multiple polyposis of the colon depends on the type of polyposis, the number and size of the polyps, and the stage of the disease. If the polyps are removed before they become cancerous, the prognosis is good. However, if the polyps become cancerous, the prognosis is more guarded.

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited condition that causes the growth of hundreds to thousands of polyps in the colon. FAP is caused by a mutation in the APC gene. The APC gene helps to control the growth of cells in the colon. When the APC gene is mutated, it can lead to the uncontrolled growth of cells and the formation of polyps.

Symptoms of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

The symptoms of FAP can vary depending on the number and size of the polyps. Some people may not have any symptoms, while others may experience:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Rectal bleeding
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Diagnosis of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

FAP is diagnosed with a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the rectum and colon. The camera allows the doctor to see the inside of the colon and look for polyps.

Treatment of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

The treatment for FAP is surgery to remove the colon. This surgery is usually done when the person is in their late teens or early 20s. After the colon is removed, the person will need to have regular follow-up exams to check for any polyps that may have been missed during the surgery.

Prevention of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

There is no way to prevent FAP, but regular colonoscopies can help to find and remove polyps before they become cancerous. People with a family history of FAP should begin having colonoscopies at a young age, usually around age 10 or 12.

Prognosis of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

The prognosis for FAP depends on the stage of the disease. If the polyps are removed before they become cancerous, the prognosis is good. However, if the polyps become cancerous, the prognosis is more guarded.

Attenuated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (AFAP) is a less severe form of FAP that causes the growth of fewer polyps. AFAP is also caused by a mutation in the APC gene, but the mutation is different from the one that causes FAP.

Symptoms of Attenuated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

The symptoms of AFAP can vary depending on the number and size of the polyps. Some people may not have any symptoms, while others may experience:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Rectal bleeding
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Diagnosis of Attenuated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

AFAP is diagnosed with a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the rectum and colon. The camera allows the doctor to see the inside of the colon and look for polyps.

Treatment of Attenuated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

The treatment for AFAP depends on the number and size of the polyps. If the polyps are small and there are only a few of them, they may be removed during a colonoscopy. If the polyps are large or there are many of them, surgery may be necessary to remove the colon.

Prevention of Attenuated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

There is no way to prevent AFAP, but regular colonoscopies can help to find and remove polyps before they become cancerous. People with a family history of AFAP should begin having colonoscopies at a young age, usually around age 10 or 12.

Prognosis of Attenuated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

The prognosis for AFAP depends on the stage of the disease. If the polyps are removed before they become cancerous, the prognosis is good. However, if the polyps become cancerous, the prognosis is more guarded.