Published online Aug 10, 2015. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v7.i10.950
Peer-review started: January 29, 2015
First decision: April 13, 2015
Revised: May 7, 2015
Accepted: July 11, 2015
Article in press: July 14, 2015
Published online: August 10, 2015
Processing time: 200 Days and 15.9 Hours
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a hereditary disorder caused by Adenomatous Polyposis Gene mutations that lead to the development of colorectal polyps with great malignant risk throughout life. Moreover, numerous extracolonic manifestations incorporate different clinical features to produce varied individual phenotypes. Among them, the occurrence of duodenal adenomatous polyps is considered an almost inevitable event, and their incidence rates increase as a patient’s age advances. Although the majority of patients exhibit different grades of duodenal adenomatosis as they age, only a small proportion (1%-5%) of patients will ultimately develop duodenal carcinoma. Within this context, the aim of the present study was to review the data regarding the epidemiology, classification, genetic features, endoscopic features, carcinogenesis, surveillance and management of duodenal polyps in patients with FAP.
Core tip: The development of duodenal adenomas is considered a very common and important extracolonic manifestation in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Results from recently published studies have indicated the need for life-long surveillance of patients presenting with this condition due to a risk of malignization, especially in patients with severe adenomatosis. The present study discusses the incidence, endoscopic features and management of duodenal adenomas and reviews the published data regarding cancer prevention and surveillance.