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Familial adenomatous polyposis

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Last amended 
4 June 2015

Malignant neoplasm of the colorectum - Familial adenomatous polyposis Factor

This is a rare genetic condition in which 100 or more polyps carpet the colon and rectum. If this condition is left surgically untreated, colorectal cancer will develop in almost all patients prior to the age of 40. The condition usually starts around puberty and runs in families although, occasionally, probably through a spontaneous genetic mutation, there may be no evidence of a familial link. When familial adenomatous polyposis is accompanied by soft tissue tumours and bony tumours it is known as Gardner's syndrome. There are usually no symptoms until puberty when haematochezia [the passage of bloody stools], diarrhoea, and abdominal pain may develop. Often no disease is suspected until a parent or sibling develops symptoms and a diagnosis made. Colonoscopy of family members may then reveal the presence of unsuspected disease.

A history of familial adenomatous coli will be documented in the evidence, although the condition may not have been detected until the onset of symptoms of colorectal cancer.

Last reviewed for CCPS 26 August 2004.

Preliminary questions [9832]

9851     there is some evidence that familial adenomatous polyposis may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.

9849     the veteran has familial adenomatous polyposis.

9852     the familial adenomatous polyposis was present prior to the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.

9853     the veteran has established the causal connection between the familial adenomatous polyposis and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.

14803   the veteran has established the causal connection between the familial adenomatous polyposis and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.

or

14804   the veteran has established the causal connection between the familial adenomatous polyposis and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.

Clinical onset and operational service [14803]

9856     the familial adenomatous polyposis is causally related to operational service.

Clinical onset and eligible service [14804]

9857     the familial adenomatous polyposis is causally related to eligible service.