Deletion of chromosome 5q and familial adenomatous polyposis

An interstitial deletion of 5q was observed in two intellectually handicapped brothers with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The site of this deletion was similar to that observed by Herrera et al in a patient with Gardner's syndrome and, following the work of Bodmer et al, can be localised to the area 5q15 to q22. Their retarded mother died of an inoperable carcinoma of the colon with extensive polyposis.