No Mutation Detected or Favor Polymorphism

This information is designed for individuals who have been tested for a hereditary cancer syndrome. It will help you understand the results of your test and is best reviewed with your healthcare provider. Please choose the link below that matches your test result by looking at the patient copy of your test result or contacting the healthcare provider who ordered your test.

Overview of Adenomatous Polyposis Syndromes

Mutations in APC and MYH cause most cases of adenomatous polyposis syndromes. These syndromes include familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (AFAP), and MYH-associated polyposis (MAP). These syndromes are associated with the development of varying numbers of adenomas (pre-cancerous polyps) in the colon and rectum. They also lead to an increased risk of colon/rectal (colorectal) cancer and, in some cases, other types of cancer.

The Genetic Test You Received

  • Comprehensive COLARIS AP®: Full sequence and large rearrangement analysis of the APC gene and a mutation panel of the MYH gene.
  • Gene-Specific COLARIS AP® MYH Analysis: Full sequence analysis of the MYH gene.
  • Gene-Specific COLARIS AP® MYH Mutation Panel: Analysis of the two most common MYH gene mutations in individuals of European ancestry.
  • Gene-Specific COLARIS AP® APC Analysis: Full sequence and large rearrangement analysis of the APC gene.

Your Test Result

  • No Mutation Detected
  • Genetic Variant, Favor Polymorphism

Overview of Your Test Result

If Your Test Result is "No Mutation Detected"

  • There were no mutations or alterations detected in the gene(s) that were tested.
  • The chance that you have an adenomatous polyposis syndrome is significantly reduced but not completely ruled out.
  • You may want to consider further genetic testing. Talk about this possibility with your healthcare provider. For example:
    • If only the APC gene was tested, you could consider testing the MYH gene.
    • If only the MYH gene was tested, you could consider APC Analysis.
    • If you had a mutation panel of the MYH gene (alone or as part of Comprehensive COLARIS AP®), you could consider full sequence analysis of MYH. Some individuals may have MYH gene mutations other than the two most common.

If Your Test Result is "Genetic Variant, Favor Polymorphism"

  • A genetic change or variant was detected in either the APC or MYH gene.
  • It is normal to see some variation in genes - not everyone is alike.
  • These variants are called polymorphisms.
  • Polymorphisms do not cause adenomatous polyposis syndromes.
  • The chance that you have an adenomatous polyposis syndrome is significantly reduced but not completely ruled out.

Your Cancer Risks

  • Your cancer risks should be estimated based on your personal and family history of cancer.
  • Your healthcare provider can assist you in understanding these risks.
  • The possibility remains that your cancer risks could be increased due to:
    • Other non-hereditary factors (for example: environment).
    • Another hereditary cancer syndrome.
    • A mutation in one of the genes analyzed that current technology cannot detect.

Managing Your Risks

  • Your test result has given you some helpful information but it is still best to manage your cancer risks based on your personal and family history.
  • You and your healthcare provider can develop the most appropriate plan for your medical management.
  • Your healthcare provider can help you determine whether any further genetic testing should be offered to you or to a family member.

It’s a Family Affair

  • Since no mutation was found in you, in most cases, your relatives would not benefit from genetic testing.
  • In some cases, however, genetic testing should be offered to another relative who has been diagnosed with adenomas or colorectal cancer in order to provide more information about hereditary risk in the family. Talk to your healthcare provider about this option.

If you need a copy of your genetic test result, please contact the healthcare provider who ordered your test.

Next Steps

Please work with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate next steps for you.

  • Obtain a copy of your test result.
  • Schedule consultations with appropriate healthcare providers.
  • Create a plan for medical management.
  • Share your genetic test result with your relatives.
  • Re-contact your healthcare provider on a regular basis for new information.

Additional Resources

Myriad has resources available to help you with your genetic test result.

  • Contact Myriad’s Medical Services Department at 1-800-469-7423 for:
    • Answers to questions about your test result.
    • Information about genetic testing for your relatives.
  • Online tools:

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