Selected syndromes of hamartomatous polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract – clinical and genetic aspects

Abstract

Hamartomatous polyp syndromes are a clinically and genetically heterogenous group of rare disorders that fall into the category of inherited predisposition to cancer. They include Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Cowden syndrome, juvenile polyposis and mixed hereditary polyposis. Although the shared common characteristic is the presence of multiple polyps in the gastrointestinal tract, they differ by the number, age of onset and histopathological features of the polyps, clinical picture and presentation, as well as the approach to genetic testing. With the recognition of the importance of providing high quality medical care, that is equal diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities to patients with rare disorders (Uchwała nr 110 Rady Ministrów z dnia 24 sierpnia 2021 r. w sprawie przyjęcia dokumentu "Plan dla chorób rzadkich"), the authors would like to present the essential (fundamental) aspects of the above-mentioned syndromes.