As a genetic counselor, you are asked to assess the risk for a...

Question

As a genetic counselor, you are asked to assess the risk for a couple with a family history of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) who are thinking about having children. Neither the husband nor the wife has colorectal cancer, but the husband has a sister with FAP. What is the probability that this couple will have a child with FAP? Are there any tests that you could recommend to help in this assessment?

Accepted Answer

Hi everyone. Let's take a look at this practice problem together blank is a genetic condition characterized by colon and rectal cancer. Now a genetic condition is one that is passed down from generation to generation. So it's hereditary. And the options A. And B. Contain the word familial which means occurring in a family. So this hints to either A. Or B being the correct answer. So let's take a look at sea severe combined immune deficiency syndrome. And it is a genetic condition but it's caused by a rare mutation in the genes involved in immune cell development. So it is involved with the immune system of the body and not the colon or the rectum. And so C. Is incorrect. Now if we take a look at D. Hodgkin lymphoma, oma the suffix means tumor. So this is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system and recognize the limp lymph prefix. And this is also not a genetic condition. So that's another reason why D. Is incorrect. Now we'll take a look at a familial hypercholesterolemia. Note the hyper prefix which means high and then you've got cholesterol in the name. And this is a genetic condition but it's a condition that affects cholesterol levels. And so A. Is also incorrect. Now we have be familial Adana metis polyp Asus. Now this is a genetic condition that causes pre cancerous polyps in the colon and the rectum. If if left untreated, those polyps do develop into cancer and so B is the correct answer. Alright everyone I hope you found this helpful and I'll see you soon for the next practice problem.

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