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The clinical approach to a patient with multiple polyps

  • Published:
Current Colorectal Cancer Reports

Abstract

There are many factors to consider in managing patients with multiple polyps. Familial adenomatous polyposis, attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis, MUTYH-associated polyposis, and the hamartomatous and hyperplastic polyposis syndromes should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Family history helps determine which genetic tests to offer in confirming a diagnosis. A genetic diagnosis allows relatives to undergo predictive testing and helps to streamline surgical and screening recommendations for patients and their relatives. Knowledge about etiology, natural history, and genetics of the polyposis syndromes has guided clinical management recommendations for these patients. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that most patients with multiple adenomatous or hyperplastic polyps do not have a known genetic condition.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dr. Zane Cohen Digestive Diseases Clinical Research Centre, Familial GI Cancer Registry, Mount Sinai Hospital, 60 Murray Street, Box 24, Toronto, ON, M5T 3L9, Canada

    Kara Semotiuk

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  1. Kara Semotiuk
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  2. Terri Berk
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  3. Steven Gallinger
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Correspondence to Kara Semotiuk.

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Semotiuk, K., Berk, T. & Gallinger, S. The clinical approach to a patient with multiple polyps. Curr colorectal cancer rep 4, 19–23 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11888-008-0005-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11888-008-0005-2

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