Lynch Syndrome
What is Lynch syndrome?
Lynch syndrome is also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). It is a genetic predisposition to different cancers, meaning that affected individuals have a higher chance of developing cancer. These include colorectal, endometrial, breast, stomach, ovarian, small bowel, urinary tract, prostate, small bowel, bile duct, liver, and kidney cancers.
What are the symptoms of Lynch syndrome?
The signs of Lynch syndrome include getting colorectal or endometrial cancer before the age of 50, developing other types of cancer associated with Lynch syndrome and colorectal cancer at the same or different times, having a cancer with mismatch repair deficiency or high-level microsatellite instability in a tumor, having one or more immediate relatives who has a cancer associated with this syndrome, and cancer in two or more non-immediate relatives.
What causes Lynch syndrome?
This syndrome is a genetic disorder, and mutations in the MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM all carry a heightened risk of developing cancer. They are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.
How is Lynch syndrome diagnosed?
A blood test is used to diagnose Lynch syndrome, and tumors can also be tested to confirm that one has this syndrome.
What are the treatments for Lynch syndrome?
It is very important that people with Lynch syndrome receive regular screening tests to ensure that any cancer is diagnosed early so that the best treatment can be given.
Where can I find out more about Lynch syndrome?
Lynch Syndrome Articles
Current Screening Measures May Miss Lynch Syndrome in Young Patients
$500k Grant Given for Lynch Syndrome Education and Assessment Program
New Initiative in Pennsylvania to Add Genetic Testing to Routine Care
