Attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis?
Care often starts with a gastroenterologist, who performs colonoscopies and removes polyps. An oncologist may be involved if cancer develops, and a surgeon if surgery is needed. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis is an inherited condition that raises the risk of colon cancer. People with this condition develop polyps, small growths on the inner lining of the colon and rectum. The word attenuated means it is a milder form of familial adenomatous polyposis: people usually have fewer polyps, often between 10 and 100, appearing later in life. The polyps are not cancer at first, but some can turn into cancer if not removed, which is why regular screening matters so much.
Symptoms
Many people have no symptoms, which is why screening is so important. When symptoms do happen, they can include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, or belly pain.
Causes and who gets it
This condition is caused by a change in a gene called APC, passed down from a parent. A child of a parent with the gene change has a 50 percent chance of inheriting it.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors usually find this condition during a colonoscopy, a test that uses a thin, flexible camera to look inside the colon. If a person has 10 to 100 polyps, doctors may suspect it. A blood test can confirm the diagnosis by looking for changes in the APC gene.
Treatment
The main treatment is regular colonoscopy with removal of polyps, which greatly lowers the risk of cancer. If there are too many polyps to remove, surgery to remove part or all of the colon may be needed. Doctors may also recommend aspirin, along with lifelong follow-up.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you notice blood in your stool, a change in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks, or ongoing belly pain. If a parent or sibling has this condition, ask about genetic testing and screening even if you feel fine.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor is paid a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance; a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can track screening schedules, review family history, and order genetic testing referrals.
Common questions
Can attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis be prevented?
The gene change cannot be prevented, because a person is born with it. The cancer risk can be lowered through regular colonoscopies and removal of polyps before they turn into cancer.
Does everyone with the gene change get cancer?
No. The risk is higher than average, but it is not certain. Regular screening and polyp removal greatly reduce the chance that polyps will become cancer.
Should my children be tested?
Many experts suggest genetic testing for children of an affected parent, often in late teens or early adulthood, so screening can start before problems develop. A genetic counselor can help families decide on the right timing.
Is this the same as regular colon polyps?
Many people develop one or two colon polyps as they age, and most are not inherited. In this condition, the tendency to form polyps is inherited and polyps come back even after removal, so closer follow-up is needed.
Sources
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis
- MedlinePlus Genetics - Familial adenomatous polyposis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
