Familial adenomatous polyposis: symptoms to medication hello healthy

Definition

What is Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)?

Familial adenomatous polyposis is a rare genetic disease. This disease causes tumors to grow on the surface epithelium of the large intestine (called polyps). If the polyp is not treated immediately, it will develop into a malignant tumor and cause cancer at the age of 35-40 years.

How common is Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)?

Familial adenomatous polyposis is a disease that can affect anyone. Please consult your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)?

FAP disease often appears silently without symptoms. Many cases do not show any symptoms until they develop colon cancer at an early age (before age 50). So, pay attention to your health if you have signs such as rectal bleeding, diarrhea, or stomach pain.

There may be other signs and symptoms of FAP disease not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)?

Experts believe that the cause of familial adenomatous polyposis is a mutation of the APC gene that inhibits tumor formation in the intestine at birth. About 25 percent of cases of genetic mutations occur spontaneously at conception.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)

The main factor that increases your risk of getting familial adenomatous polyposis is having a family member who also has the disease.

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)

Some of the treatment options for familial adenomatous polyposis are:

• Operation

There are hundreds to thousands of polyps formed, so it is impossible to remove these polyps separately. Surgical removal of the entire colon is the only effective treatment and can increase life expectancy quite dramatically. This operation can be done in adulthood.

• Take drugs

However, if surgery does not cure the disease and polyps continue to produce, some drugs (sulindac, celecoxib) can make the polyps shrink or stop growing. This medicine is used only under a doctor's permission. Lump examination and genetic (DNA) testing is important for early detection and the best treatment.

What are the tests for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)?

Some of the tests that can be done to diagnose familial adenomatous polyposis are:

• Colonoscopy to determine the level of malignancy in the development of polyps.
• Genetic testing for other diseases and conditions.
• Screening for liver cancer in children with FAP.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)?

Some of the lifestyle changes that can help relieve symptoms of familial adenomatous polyposis include:

• Perform another checkup to monitor the progress of your symptoms and your health.
• Listen to the doctor's instructions, do not use drugs without the doctor's permission or do not use prescription drugs that were prescribed to you.
• Check your health condition regularly and according to schedule. Especially after surgical removal of the colon.
• Look for specialists, surgeons, and geneticists with experience with FAP.
• Get a family genetic test if you suspect you have the disease.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.