Background

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome estimated to account for about 1% of colorectal cancers. While there is variation in the FAP phenotype amongst individuals and families with mutations, it is characterized by a striking phenotype of colonic polyposis and other distinctive features such as desmoids and gastric fundic gland polyps. It is estimated that about 30% of APC mutations are de novo. APC mutations have been reported worldwide across different ethnic and racial groups. We report on the features of FAP seen in 9 Hispanic women with colonic polyposis, identified over 18 months.

Methods

Individuals were referred for cancer risk assessment. Genetic analysis of the APC gene, including sequencing and rearrangement studies, was conducted after counseling and informed consent.

Results

All of the individuals referred were women; the majority was originally from Mexico (67%) with the remainder from Central America. The average age at identification of polyposis was 37.2 years and 5 had concomitant colorectal cancer (average age 34.2 years). The most common site of cancer was the rectum and the most common extra-colonic finding was gastric polyps. The majority of women reported either no family history or cancer history inconsistent with FAP, suggesting de novo mutations. All individuals, for whom results are available, were found to have APC gene mutations. Results are found in Table 1.

Table 1
Full size table

Conclusions

These Hispanic women with FAP demonstrate a phenotype consistent with the existing understanding of this syndrome. Of interest, is the lack of males presenting with polyposis and the apparent overrepresentation of de novo mutations. Both of these observations may disappear as cohort size increases. However, there are other factors such as reduced access to regular and diagnostic medical services in other countries, communication barriers within families, and cultural and gender differences that might be at play.