Juvenile polyposis syndrome

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Juvenile polyposis syndrome
Gastric juvenile polyp - very low mag.jpg
Micrograph of a gastric juvenile polyp, as may be seen in juvenile polyposis syndrome. H&E stain
Causes Genetic mutation in BMPR1A or SMAD4

Juvenile polyposis syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic condition characterized by the appearance of multiple juvenile polyps in the gastrointestinal tract. Polyps are abnormal growths arising from a mucous membrane. These usually begin appearing before age 20, but the term juvenile refers to the type of polyp (i.e. benign hamartoma, as opposed to adenoma for example), not to the age of the affected person. [1] While the majority of the polyps found in juvenile polyposis syndrome are non-neoplastic, hamartomatous, self-limiting and benign, there is an increased risk of adenocarcinoma.

Contents

Solitary juvenile polyps most commonly occur in the rectum and present with rectal bleeding. The World Health Organization criteria for diagnosis of juvenile polyposis syndrome are one of either:

  1. More than five juvenile polyps in the colon or rectum; or
  2. Juvenile polyps throughout the gastrointestinal tract; or
  3. Any number of juvenile polyps in a person with a family history of juvenile polyposis. [2]

Signs and symptoms

Age of onset is variable. The term 'juvenile' in the title of juvenile polyposis syndrome refers to the histological type of the polyps rather than the age of onset.

Affected individuals may present with rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, diarrhea or anemia. Diagnosis is typically by way of endoscopy and cytology. [3] On colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy polyps that vary in shape or size are present. The polyps can be sessile or pedunculated hamartomatous polyps. [1]

Genetics

Juvenile polyposis syndrome can occur sporadically in families or be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.[ citation needed ]

Two genes containing mutations associated with juvenile polyposis syndrome are BMPR1A and SMAD4 . [1] Gene testing may be useful when trying to ascertain which non-symptomatic family members may be at risk of developing polyps, however having a known familial mutation would be unlikely to change the course of treatment. A known mutation may also be of use for affected individuals when they decide to start a family as it allows them reproductive choices.[ citation needed ]

While mutations in the gene PTEN were also thought to have caused juvenile polyposis syndrome, it is now thought that mutations in this gene cause a similar clinical picture to juvenile polyposis syndrome but are actually affected with Cowden syndrome or other phenotypes of the PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome. [4]

Mutations in SMAD4 may be additionally associated with concomitant hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. [1]

Screening

People with juvenile polyps may require yearly upper and lower endoscopies with polyp excision and cytology. Their siblings may also need to be screened regularly. [5]

Treatment

Malignant transformation of polyps requires surgical colectomy. [5]

Prognosis

Most juvenile polyps are benign; however, malignancy can occur. The cumulative lifetime risk of colorectal cancer is 39% in patients with juvenile polyposis syndrome. [6]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colorectal cancer</span> Cancer of the colon or rectum

Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, is the development of cancer from the colon or rectum. Signs and symptoms may include blood in the stool, a change in bowel movements, weight loss, abdominal pain and fatigue. Most colorectal cancers are due to old age and lifestyle factors, with only a small number of cases due to underlying genetic disorders. Risk factors include diet, obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Dietary factors that increase the risk include red meat, processed meat, and alcohol. Another risk factor is inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Some of the inherited genetic disorders that can cause colorectal cancer include familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer; however, these represent less than 5% of cases. It typically starts as a benign tumor, often in the form of a polyp, which over time becomes cancerous.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Macrocephaly</span> Abnormally large head size

Macrocephaly is a condition in which circumference of the human head is abnormally large. It may be pathological or harmless, and can be a familial genetic characteristic. People diagnosed with macrocephaly will receive further medical tests to determine whether the syndrome is accompanied by particular disorders. Those with benign or familial macrocephaly are considered to have megalencephaly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polyp (medicine)</span> Abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane

A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane. If it is attached to the surface by a narrow elongated stalk, it is said to be pedunculated; if it is attached without a stalk, it is said to be sessile. Polyps are commonly found in the colon, stomach, nose, ear, sinus(es), urinary bladder, and uterus. They may also occur elsewhere in the body where there are mucous membranes, including the cervix, vocal folds, and small intestine. Some polyps are tumors (neoplasms) and others are non-neoplastic, for example hyperplastic or dysplastic, which are benign. The neoplastic ones are usually benign, although some can be pre-malignant, or concurrent with a malignancy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gardner's syndrome</span> Medical condition

Gardner's syndrome is a subtype of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Gardner syndrome is an autosomal dominant form of polyposis characterized by the presence of multiple polyps in the colon together with tumors outside the colon. The extracolonic tumors may include osteomas of the skull, thyroid cancer, epidermoid cysts, fibromas, as well as the occurrence of desmoid tumors in approximately 15% of affected individuals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Familial adenomatous polyposis</span> Pre-cancerous intestinal polyps

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant inherited condition in which numerous adenomatous polyps form mainly in the epithelium of the large intestine. While these polyps start out benign, malignant transformation into colon cancer occurs when they are left untreated. Three variants are known to exist, FAP and attenuated FAP are caused by APC gene defects on chromosome 5 while autosomal recessive FAP is caused by defects in the MUTYH gene on chromosome 1. Of the three, FAP itself is the most severe and most common; although for all three, the resulting colonic polyps and cancers are initially confined to the colon wall. Detection and removal before metastasis outside the colon can greatly reduce and in many cases eliminate the spread of cancer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peutz–Jeghers syndrome</span> Medical condition

Peutz–Jeghers syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by the development of benign hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract and hyperpigmented macules on the lips and oral mucosa (melanosis). This syndrome can be classed as one of various hereditary intestinal polyposis syndromes and one of various hamartomatous polyposis syndromes. It has an incidence of approximately 1 in 25,000 to 300,000 births.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benign tumor</span> Mass of cells which cannot spread throughout the body

A benign tumor is a mass of cells (tumor) that does not invade neighboring tissue or metastasize. Compared to malignant (cancerous) tumors, benign tumors generally have a slower growth rate. Benign tumors have relatively well differentiated cells. They are often surrounded by an outer surface or stay contained within the epithelium. Common examples of benign tumors include moles and uterine fibroids.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mismatch repair cancer syndrome</span> Medical condition

Mismatch repair cancer syndrome (MMRCS) is a cancer syndrome associated with biallelic DNA mismatch repair mutations. It is also known as Turcot syndrome and by several other names.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hamartoma</span> Tumour-like overgrowth due to a systemic genetic condition

A hamartoma is a mostly benign, local malformation of cells that resembles a neoplasm of local tissue but is usually due to an overgrowth of multiple aberrant cells, with a basis in a systemic genetic condition, rather than a growth descended from a single mutated cell (monoclonality), as would typically define a benign neoplasm/tumor. Despite this, many hamartomas are found to have clonal chromosomal aberrations that are acquired through somatic mutations, and on this basis the term hamartoma is sometimes considered synonymous with neoplasm. Hamartomas are by definition benign, slow-growing or self-limiting, though the underlying condition may still predispose the individual towards malignancies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cowden syndrome</span> Medical condition

Cowden syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited condition characterized by benign overgrowths called hamartomas as well as an increased lifetime risk of breast, thyroid, uterine, and other cancers. It is often underdiagnosed due to variability in disease presentation, but 99% of patients report mucocutaneous symptoms by age 20–29. Despite some considering it a primarily dermatologic condition, Cowden's syndrome is a multi-system disorder that also includes neurodevelopmental disorders such as macrocephaly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bannayan–Riley–Ruvalcaba syndrome</span> Medical condition

Bannayan–Riley–Ruvalcaba syndrome (BRRS) is a rare overgrowth syndrome and hamartomatous disorder with occurrence of multiple subcutaneous lipomas, macrocephaly and hemangiomas. The disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. The disease belongs to a family of hamartomatous polyposis syndromes, which also includes Peutz–Jeghers syndrome, juvenile polyposis and Cowden syndrome. Mutation of the PTEN gene underlies this syndrome, as well as Cowden syndrome, Proteus syndrome, and Proteus-like syndrome, these four syndromes are referred to as PTEN Hamartoma-Tumor Syndromes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fundic gland polyposis</span> Medical condition

Fundic gland polyposis is a medical syndrome where the fundus and the body of the stomach develop many fundic gland polyps. The condition has been described both in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and attenuated variants (AFAP), and in patients in whom it occurs sporadically.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cronkhite–Canada syndrome</span> Medical condition

Cronkhite–Canada syndrome is a rare syndrome characterized by multiple polyps of the digestive tract. It is sporadic, and it is currently considered acquired and idiopathic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colorectal polyp</span> Growth found in bowel wall

A colorectal polyp is a polyp occurring on the lining of the colon or rectum. Untreated colorectal polyps can develop into colorectal cancer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hereditary cancer syndrome</span> Inherited genetic condition that predisposes a person to cancer

A hereditary cancer syndrome is a genetic disorder in which inherited genetic mutations in one or more genes predispose the affected individuals to the development of cancer and may also cause early onset of these cancers. Hereditary cancer syndromes often show not only a high lifetime risk of developing cancer, but also the development of multiple independent primary tumors.

MUTYH-associated polyposis is an autosomal recessive polyposis syndrome. The disorder is caused by mutations in both alleles of the DNA repair gene, MUTYH. The MUTYH gene encodes a base excision repair protein, which corrects oxidative damage to DNA. Affected individuals have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, precancerous colon polyps (adenomas) and an increased risk of several additional cancers. About 1–2 percent of the population possess a mutated copy of the MUTYH gene, and less than 1 percent of people have the MUTYH-associated polyposis syndrome. The presence of 10 or more colon adenomas should prompt consideration of MUTYH-associated polyposis, familial adenomatous polyposis and similar syndromes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Serrated polyposis syndrome</span> Medical condition

Serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS), previously known as hyperplastic polyposis syndrome, is a disorder characterized by the appearance of serrated polyps in the colon. While serrated polyposis syndrome does not cause symptoms, the condition is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The lifelong risk of CRC is between 25 and 40%. SPS is the most common polyposis syndrome affecting the colon, but is under recognized due to a lack of systemic long term monitoring. Diagnosis requires colonoscopy, and is defined by the presence of either of two criteria: ≥5 serrated lesions/polyps proximal to the rectum, or >20 serrated lesions/polyps of any size distributed throughout the colon with 5 proximal to the rectum.

Polymerase proofreading-associated polyposis (PPAP) is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome, which is characterized by numerous polyps in the colon and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. It is caused by germline mutations in DNA polymerase ε (POLE) and δ (POLD1). Affected individuals develop numerous polyps called colorectal adenomas. Compared with other polyposis syndromes, Polymerase proofreading-associated polyposis is rare. Genetic testing can help exclude similar syndromes, such as Familial adenomatous polyposis and MUTYH-associated polyposis. Endometrial cancer, duodenal polyps and duodenal cancer may also occur.

Juvenile polyps are a type of polyp found in the colon. While juvenile polyps are typically found in children, they may be found in people of any age. Juvenile polyps are a type of hamartomatous polyps, which consist of a disorganized mass of tissue. They occur in about two percent of children. Juvenile polyps often do not cause symptoms (asymptomatic); when present, symptoms usually include gastrointestinal bleeding and prolapse through the rectum. Removal of the polyp (polypectomy) is warranted when symptoms are present, for treatment and definite histopathological diagnosis. In the absence of symptoms, removal is not necessary. Recurrence of polyps following removal is relatively common. Juvenile polyps are usually sporadic, occurring in isolation, although they may occur as a part of juvenile polyposis syndrome. Sporadic juvenile polyps may occur in any part of the colon, but are usually found in the distal colon. In contrast to other types of colon polyps, juvenile polyps are not premalignant and are not usually associated with a higher risk of cancer; however, individuals with juvenile polyposis syndrome are at increased risk of gastric and colorectal cancer. Unlike juvenile polyposis syndrome, solitary juvenile polyps do not require follow up with surveillance colonoscopy.

Gardner fibroma (GF) is a benign fibroblastic tumor. GF tumors typically develop in the dermis and adjacent subcutaneous tissue lying just below the dermis. These tumors typically occur on the back, abdomen, and other superficial sites but in rare cases have been diagnoses in internal sites such as the retroperitoneum and around the large blood vessels in the upper thoracic cavity. The World Health Organization, 2020, classified Gardner fibroma as a benign tumor in the category of fibroblastic and myofibroblastic tumors.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 GeneReviews NBK1469
  2. Stoler, Mark A.; Mills, Stacey E.; Carter, Darryl; Joel K Greenson; Reuter, Victor E. (2009). Sternberg's Diagnostic Surgical Pathology. Hagerstwon, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN   978-0-7817-7942-5.
  3. Mogere, Edwin; Mwaura, Elijah; Waithaka, Mark; Mutua, Victor; Mugao, Maurice; von Csefalvay, Chris; Mukamati, Dennis (3 January 2023). "Juvenile polyposis syndrome: A case report". Clinical Case Reports. 11 (1): e6798. doi:10.1002/ccr3.6798. PMC   9810833 . PMID   36619487.
  4. James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN   0-7216-2921-0.
  5. 1 2 "Familial Juvenile Polyposis". The Lecturio Medical Concept Library. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  6. Brosens, Lodewijk; et al. (2011). "Juvenile polyposis syndrome". World Journal of Gastroenterology. 17 (44): 4839–4844. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i44.4839 . PMC   3235625 . PMID   22171123.

Further reading