What is juvenile polyposis syndrome?
Juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) is a hereditary condition that is characterized by the presence of hamartomatous polyps in the digestive tract. Hamartomas are noncancerous masses of normal tissue that build up in the intestines or other places. These masses are called polyps if they develop inside a body structure, such as the intestines. The term juvenile polyposis refers to the type of polyp (juvenile polyp) that is found after examination of the polyp under a microscope, rather than the age at which people are diagnosed with JPS. Polyps may frequently develop in a person with JPS by age 20. The number of polyps a person has during his or her lifetime can range from around five to more than 100. Most juvenile polyps are benign (noncancerous), but there is an increased risk of cancer of the digestive tract in families with JPS. JPS is suspected when a person’s symptoms and history fit one of the following categories: • More than five juvenile polyps of the colon and/or rectum • Mult
