Trait Document

MUTYH-Associated Polyposis (MAP) is a genetic condition characterized by the development of many (tens to hundreds) colon polyps. The colon polyps are most often of a specific type, called adenomas. Adenomas are growths that if not removed, have a high chance of becoming cancerous over time. Without surgery, the chance of developing colorectal cancer for a person with MAP can be as high as 100% over their lifetime. On average, colon adenomas are detected by age 50. Another type of polyp (hyperplastic) is common in MAP, but these have a very low cancer risk. Rarely, an individual with MAP may develop colorectal cancer when they have had no or very few polyps.

Individuals with MAP also have an increased chance for polyps to develop in the duodenum (i.e., the beginning of the small intestine). Therefore, the risk for duodenal cancer is also increased (approximately 4% lifetime chance). Individuals with MAP also seem to be at a higher risk for other cancers, including thyroid, ovary, bladder, skin, breast, and uterine. However, the risk for these cancers is less than the risk for colorectal and duodenal cancers.

Individuals with MAP have changes or mutations in a gene called MUTYH. The MUTYH gene makes the MYH glycosylase enzyme. This enzyme repairs mistakes that occur when DNA is copied. Mutations in the MUTYH do not allow for these errors to be corrected and as a result, cells may grow uncontrollably. This uncontrolled growth is what can cause the polyps and tumors in affected individuals. An individual must have a mutation in each of their two MUTYH genes to have a diagnosis of MAP.

With appropriate management and surveillance, cancers can be prevented or detected at earlier stages, when there is a greater chance for successful treatment. Individuals with MAP are recommended to have a colonoscopy (i.e., a procedure to examine the inside of the colon and rectum) every 1-2 years starting at the age of 25. If too many polyps occur in the colon and/or they are too difficult to remove, surgical removal of all or part of the colon may be recommended. Upper GI endoscopy (i.e., a procedure to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) is recommended every 3-5 years starting at the age of 30. Regular physical examinations are recommended, and some healthcare providers also recommend individuals with MAP have an ultrasound of their thyroid. Additional screening recommendations may be made based on the individuals family history. Also, since MAP is a genetic condition that has only been understood within the past ten years, additional screening recommendations may be created after more research is completed.

MAP is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means that an individual has to inherit to MUTYH mutations (i.e., one from each parent) to be affected with MAP. If both parents have one MUTYH mutation, together they have a 1 in 4 (25%) chance with each pregnancy of having a child with MAP.

Parents of a child with MAP have one MUTYH mutation. If a sibling of a child with MAP is unaffected, he/she has a 2 in 3 (66%) chance of having one MUTYH mutation.

Research has shown that individuals with one MUTYH mutation may also have an increased risk for colorectal cancer, although not necessarily at younger ages than the general population. It is important for those with one MUTYH mutation to receive regular colon screening.