title: [Familial adenomatous polyposis: case report of male twins].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  One hundred percent of the cases of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) will develop carcinoma; therefore, the necessity of diagnosis at an early age with immediate therapy is essential. In the presence of identical twins, it is mandatory for both to undergo comprehensive colonic examination as early as possible. The study took place at a third-level general hospital with the objective of explaining in detail the importance of early diagnosis of FAP.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report on FAP in identical male twins who were operated on at different times with different outcomes and prognosis. The first twin was treated 20 years previously at an early age and underwent subtotal colectomy with ileoproctostomy. This patient is currently asymptomatic with no evidence of malignancy. The second twin was operated on at the age of 33 years and was already a carrier of a well differentiated rectal adenocarcinoma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Opportune therapy carried out on the first twin has resulted in a disease-free status, in contrast with the delay in treatment of the second twin who developed carcinoma.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital General de México, México.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ramírez-Tapia
authors.forename: Abel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jalife-Montaño
authors.forename: Karla Elena
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Domínguez-Meléndez
authors.forename: Armando
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vargas-Domínguez
authors.forename: Luis Humberto
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Ortega-León
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Baez
mesh_terms: D011125:Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D004200:Diseases in Twins; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male