What is the first step for a patient diagnosed with familial adenomatous polyposis?

For a patient diagnosed with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), the first step involves regular colonoscopy screenings. FAP is a hereditary condition characterized by the development of numerous polyps in the colon and rectum, which greatly increases the risk of colorectal cancer.

Regular colonoscopy screenings are essential for early detection and monitoring of these inherited polyps. The goal of the screenings is to identify polyps at a stage where they can be effectively managed, often before they have the chance to develop into cancer. In many cases, patients with FAP will require annual colonoscopies starting in their teenage years or early adulthood. This proactive approach helps in monitoring the polyp burden and determining the appropriate timing for surgical intervention, such as colectomy, before the development of cancer becomes a significant risk.

The other options, while related to the management of polyps and cancer risk in FAP, do not represent the initial step in the care pathway for these patients. Regular screenings provide the foundational monitoring necessary for developing an appropriate treatment plan.