The pancreas in familial adenomatous polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis is an archetypal disease illustrating the genetic basis of human cancer. The adenomatous polyposis coli gene functions as a tumor suppressor with hundreds of known mutations that result in a defective adenomatous polyposis coli protein. In addition to the certain fate of colon cancer without colectomy, patients with familial adenomatous polyposis are also at increased risk for other types of neoplasms, including those which affect the pancreas. This review focuses on periampullary and ampullary tumors, benign and malignant pancreatic neoplasms that are associated with familial adenomatous polyposis and Gardner syndrome and pancreatitis in these patients. An individualized surveillance regimen is suggested which for certain patients could include endoscopic ultrasound.