Attenuated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (AFAP) is an inherited condition that increases the chance to develop cancer of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It is a milder form of classic familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and is characterized by fewer colon polyps (an average of 30) and a delay in the development of colon cancer (average age 50 to 55 years). Other signs and symptoms may include benign or malignant tumors of the duodenum (a section of the small intestine) and, in rare cases, other symptoms of FAP. AFAP is caused by mutations in the APC gene and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. AFAP is generally managed with regular screening to detect if and when polyps develop.