Searching for markers in the hereditary intestinal polyposes.

Oral abnormalities in the intestinal polyposes have been reported by numerous authors. Detection of occult osteomatous and other dental changes in the jaws before development of polyps would be of considerable importance in the early diagnosis of premalignant gastrointestinal disorders. More than 425 individuals from families in whom intestinal polyposis is segregating have received oral-facial examinations. The dental findings may permit early, noninvasive identification of individuals at risk for polyposis.