Familial polyposis syndromes refer to a group of genetic disorders that result in the development of numerous polyps in the colon and rectum. The correct spelling of this term may seem tricky, but the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) can help us understand it. The first word, "familial," is pronounced as /fəˈmɪliəl/. The second word, "polyposis," is pronounced as /ˌpɑːliˈpoʊsɪs/. Finally, "syndromes" is pronounced as /ˈsɪndroʊmz/. With this understanding, we can confidently spell "familial polyposis syndromes" accurately.
Familial Polyposis Syndromes (FPS) are a group of rare genetic disorders characterized by the development of numerous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract. These syndromes are inherited conditions caused by mutations in specific genes, which lead to the development of polyps in the colon and rectum. FPS can be broadly categorized into two main types: familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (AFAP).
FAP is the more severe form of FPS and is characterized by the development of hundreds to thousands of polyps in the colon and rectum. If left untreated, these polyps have a high likelihood of becoming cancerous. In some cases, FAP may also affect other organs such as the stomach or small intestine.
AFAP, on the other hand, is a milder form of FPS where individuals develop fewer polyps, typically between 10 to 100, compared to FAP. The risk of cancer in AFAP is lower compared to FAP, but it is still present.
Both FAP and AFAP are autosomal dominant disorders, meaning that an individual only needs to inherit one copy of the mutated gene from either parent to develop the syndrome. Due to the genetic nature of these syndromes, individuals with a family history of FPS are at a higher risk of developing the disorder themselves.
Regular screening through colonoscopies is essential for individuals with FPS to detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous. In severe cases, surgical removal of the colon may be necessary to prevent cancer development.