Conditions/Hereditary Cancers/Chapter
FAP (Familial Adenomatous Polyposis)
APC, heavy polyp burden, and surgical timing
Classic FAP is linked to germline APC changes and can produce hundreds to thousands of colorectal adenomas. Without planned care, colorectal cancer risk is very high. The path usually combines endoscopy, family history, and genetic counseling. It differs from Lynch mainly by polyp burden and gene pathway.
Key points
- When to consider FAPTap for details
Young-onset numerous colon polyps, family polyposis/colectomy history, or selected extracolonic clues (for example desmoid disease or duodenal polyps) open evaluation.
- Surgical frameTap for details · key note inside
Risk-reducing colectomy timing and reconstruction options are planned with genetics, gastroenterology, and surgery together.
- Family and follow-upTap for details
Pathogenic APC findings trigger cascade testing and structured endoscopic/surgical surveillance, including selected extracolonic risks.
- ImportantTap for details · key note inside
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.
Frequently asked questions
- Is every multi-polyp colon FAP?Tap for details
No. Attenuated FAP and MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP) are discussed separately.
- Is colectomy mandatory at diagnosis?Tap for details
Timing and extent are individualized by polyp load, rectum status, and goals — not one package for everyone.
More chapters in this hub
Hereditary Cancer Overview
When hereditary risk is considered and how sequencing works
Lynch Syndrome
MMR/MSI, colorectal risk, and family screening
BRCA and Familial Breast Risk
Who is offered testing; surgery and surveillance frame
CDH1
Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer risk
Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
TP53 and multi-cancer spectrum
Peutz–Jeghers Syndrome
Hamartomatous polyps and surveillance
Genetic Counseling
Consent, results, and talking with relatives
Molecular Testing in Cancer
Organ-specific biomarkers that often open this conversation
Appointment / info
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.
Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · Last medically reviewed: August 2026 · English patient-education chapter.