Polyposis

Definition:

Polyposis describes a condition where there are a lot of polyps. A polyp is a projecting mass of overgrown tissue that looks kind of like a button mushroom. Most colorectal cancer develops from polyps.

There are several forms of polyposis. Some examples include the following:

• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
  
• Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC)
  
• Juvenile Polyposis

The specifics of each type of polyposis are different. For example, people with HNPCC have about an 80% chance of developing colon cancer while people with FAP have about a 100% chance.

Early detection and intervention are crucial. A family medical history that includes colon cancer or colon polyps may indicate a genetic predisposition to polyposis.

A colonoscopy is one way to determine if you have any polyps in your colon or rectum.

Related Articles:

• Genetics and Colorectal Cancer Risk
  
• Top 10 Colon Cancer Symptoms
  
• Colon Cancer Screening Recommendations
  
• How to Get Someone You Love to Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer

Sources:

1. Detailed Guide: Colon and Rectum Cancer: Can Colorectal Polyps and Cancer Be Found Early? American Cancer Society. 7 Mar. 2006 [http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_Can_colon_and_rectum_cancer_be_found_early.asp?sitearea=].
   
2. Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). Mount Sanai Hospital. 1 Sep. 2006 [http://www.mtsinai.on.ca/familialgicancer/Diseases/FAP/treatment.htm].
   
3. Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer. Cleveland Clinic. 29 Oct. 2003. 1 Sep. 2006 [http://www.clevelandclinic.org/registries/inherited/hnpcc.htm].
   
4. Komaromy, M. What is FAP? Genetic Health. 1 Aug. 2000. 1 Sep. 2006 [http://www.genetichealth.com/CRC_FAP_A_Hereditary_Syndrome.shtml].