Possible acquired gastrointestinal polyposis in a childhood cancer survivor

Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) are at an increased risk for secondary cancers, including colorectal, thyroid, lung, and breast. Treatment with abdominal radiotherapy and/or alkylating agent chemotherapy has been associated with an increased risk for colorectal adenomas and colorectal cancer (CRC) in CCSs. The phenotype of therapy-associated polyposis (TAP) is not well-understood, given the paucity of cases described in the literature. Further defining the phenotype of TAP is important to increase the primary care provider's awareness of when to begin CRC screening in these patients. We present a case of a patient with possible acquired polyposis that seems to meet the criteria identified in the literature for TAP. The purpose of this case study is to add to the body of knowledge related to TAP, further defining the phenotype. Better understanding of therapy-related risks in CCSs and hereditary predisposition will provide primary care providers and their patients with an improved plan for CRC screening.