Occult radiopaque jaw lesions in familial adenomatous polyposis

Osteomatous jaw lesions have been reported to occur in connection with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) of the intestines. The disease is fatal if not treated. The aim of this investigation was to study the occurrence of bone jaw lesions in Swedish families, where some family members have developed FAP, in order to evaluate if these bone changes may be regarded as clinical markers of the disease. 132 individuals from ten families with FAP and a matched control group of 250 individuals were examined. Osteomatous lesions were diagnosed in 24 per cent in the FAP families and in 2 per cent in the controls. Individuals with verified FAP showed an increased occurrens of jaw lesions. Also in family members without verified FAP, first-degree relatives and other relatives, showed a significant higher incidence of osteomatous jaw lesions compared to the controls. Our results suggest that osteomatous jaw lesions in families with FAP are of predictive significance.