What is hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome?
Hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome (HMPS) is a hereditary condition that is associated with an increased risk of developing polyps (growths of normal tissue that form lumps) in the digestive tract. As the name suggests, a variety of polyps may occur. The most common polyp type is the hamartomatous juvenile polyp. A hamartoma is a growth of normal-appearing tissue that builds up into a noncancerous tumor. However, the growth can turn into cancer over time. Adenomatous polyps (growths in the lining of the colon that can become cancerous) and hyperplastic polyps (noncancerous growths in the lining of the colon) may occur as well. People with HMPS also have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. What causes HMPS? HMPS is a genetic condition. This means that the risk of polyps and cancer can be passed from generation to generation in a family. There is currently no specific gene that has been identified to cause HMPS. How is HMPS inherited? Normally, every cell has two copies o
