Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Lynch syndrome is ahereditarysyndrome linked to a higher risk of certain cancers, particularlycolorectal cancer(cancer that starts in thecolonor rectum), and endometrial (uterine) cancer. It is also linked to a higher risk of these cancers before the age of 50.
At least one in every 500 American adults have Lynch syndrome, but not everyone who has the syndrome develops cancer. Lynch syndrome is thought to cause about 3% of all colorectal cancers.
Other cancers associated with Lynch syndrome include gastric (stomach) cancer, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, urinary tract, kidney, and brain cancer.
This article takes a closer look at what Lynch syndrome is and the genetic causes underlying it. It also covers how Lynch syndrome is diagnosed, and the steps people with Lynch syndrome can take to lower their cancer risk.
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There is, however, a set of criteria that healthcare providers use to help them decide whether someone should be tested for Lynch syndrome. A person is more likely to have Lynch syndrome if one or more of the following criteria are present:
Genetic Predisposition and What It Means
Lynch syndrome is also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Non-polyposis means that colorectal cancer can occur when there are a small number of polyps present—or none at all.
Apolypis a growth that forms—in the case of colorectal cancer—on the lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps are fairly common in American adults. They are usually harmless andbenign(noncancerous), but some polyps can become cancerous. This is far more likely to happen in people with Lynch syndrome.
Having the gene mutations that underlie Lynch syndrome places someone at anincreased riskfor developing certain cancers. Not everyone with Lynch syndrome develops cancer, though.
Whether or not a person has Lynch syndrome, a healthy lifestyle is a key part of cancer prevention. This will provide an individual with the best chance of lowering their cancer risk despite the presence of a mutation.
Natural Approaches to Colon Cancer Prevention
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, all people diagnosed with colorectal cancer should be tested for Lynch syndrome, not just those who meet the criteria for Lynch syndrome testing. Those who have been diagnosed with uterine cancer should be considered for Lynch syndrome testing as well.
Tests used to diagnose or screen for Lynch syndrome include:
It is recommended that genetic testing is completed after both the MSI and the IHC tests are done. Genetic testing will verify the results from these tests, which may or may not indicate Lynch syndrome.
When to Screen
Screening is recommended for people who have a family or personal medical history that could be consistent with Lynch syndrome. The revised Amersterdam criteria and the revised Bethesda criteria are often used as guides for screening.
Amsterdam criteria (must have all four of the following):
Bethesda criteria (must have at least one of the following):
There is no way to change your genes or any gene mutations you are born with. Therefore, there is also no cure for Lynch syndrome.
If a person with Lynch syndrome develops cancer, their treatment will be cancer-specific. That may include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and other methods. Treatments vary depending on how severe the cancer is and the body parts that are affected.
Chemo vs Radiation for Cancer Treatment
While Lynch syndrome itself cannot be treated or prevented, you can take extra steps to lower your risk of cancer, whether you have been diagnosed with Lynch syndrome or not.
There are prevention methods specific to colorectal cancer and uterine cancer. There are also general prevention and screening methods that can assist in early diagnosis and maximize the chances for recovery and remission.
Once an individual with Lynch syndrome reaches 20 years of age, regular cancer screening options are recommended.
Cancer screening includes:
Some professionals recommend a daily dose of aspirin to specifically assist in decreasing a person’s risk for colorectal cancer. This has been proven as somewhat effective. But not every healthcare provider accepts it as standard practice.
Many individuals who are diligent enough to find colorectal cancer in its early stages often opt to remove portions of the colon to prevent the recurrence of cancer.Similarly, many females, particularly post-menopausal females, have a completehysterectomydone to remove the uterus and ovaries. Doing so reduces their risk of uterine and/or ovarian cancer.
Yearly urine tests are routine parts of physical examinations. They should be done regularly to screen for cancer of the urinary tract, which some patients with Lynch syndrome have an increased risk of.
A healthy lifestyle is at the core of disease prevention, cancer included. This means refraining from recreational drugs,smoking, and excessive alcohol intake. It also means getting plenty of physical exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet.
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Summary
Lynch syndrome involves inherited gene mutations that increase a person’s risk of specific cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. Not everyone with Lynch syndrome develops cancer. People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer before the age of 50 should be tested for Lynch syndrome.
The syndrome itself cannot be treated or prevented. However, living a healthy lifestyle and being screened for cancer regularly can help reduce cancer risk.
A Word From Verywell
If you find the possibility of being diagnosed with cancer is too difficult to handle, you may want to discuss options for your mental health with your healthcare provider.
Support groups, stress management, meditation, yoga, productive leisure activities, and social interaction can help you maintain a positive outlook, regardless of your health status. As always, don’t hesitate to bring any questions or concerns about cancer prevention to your healthcare provider.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Lynch syndrome.American Society of Clinical Oncology.Lynch syndrome.Stoffel E, Mangu P, Gruber S, et al.Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline endorsement of the familial risk-colorectal cancer: European Society for Medical Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines.J Clin Oncol. 2015 Jan;33(2):209-217. doi:10.1200/JCO.2014.58.1322Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Microsatellite instability (MSI) screening.Onka B, Mohamed DA, Yehouenou RTT, Adeyemi B, Traore WM, Kevin Arthur MM, Jerguigue H, Latib R, Omor Y.A tumor association to be aware: endometrial cancer and colon cancer in relation to Lynch syndrome.BJR Case Rep. 2022 Jan 12;8(2):20210230. doi:10.1259/bjrcr.20210230American Cancer Society.Treating colorectal cancer.American Cancer Society.Genetic testing, screening, and prevention for people with a strong family history of colorectal cancer.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Lynch syndrome.American Society of Clinical Oncology.Lynch syndrome.Stoffel E, Mangu P, Gruber S, et al.Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline endorsement of the familial risk-colorectal cancer: European Society for Medical Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines.J Clin Oncol. 2015 Jan;33(2):209-217. doi:10.1200/JCO.2014.58.1322Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Microsatellite instability (MSI) screening.Onka B, Mohamed DA, Yehouenou RTT, Adeyemi B, Traore WM, Kevin Arthur MM, Jerguigue H, Latib R, Omor Y.A tumor association to be aware: endometrial cancer and colon cancer in relation to Lynch syndrome.BJR Case Rep. 2022 Jan 12;8(2):20210230. doi:10.1259/bjrcr.20210230American Cancer Society.Treating colorectal cancer.American Cancer Society.Genetic testing, screening, and prevention for people with a strong family history of colorectal cancer.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Lynch syndrome.American Society of Clinical Oncology.Lynch syndrome.Stoffel E, Mangu P, Gruber S, et al.Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline endorsement of the familial risk-colorectal cancer: European Society for Medical Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines.J Clin Oncol. 2015 Jan;33(2):209-217. doi:10.1200/JCO.2014.58.1322Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Microsatellite instability (MSI) screening.Onka B, Mohamed DA, Yehouenou RTT, Adeyemi B, Traore WM, Kevin Arthur MM, Jerguigue H, Latib R, Omor Y.A tumor association to be aware: endometrial cancer and colon cancer in relation to Lynch syndrome.BJR Case Rep. 2022 Jan 12;8(2):20210230. doi:10.1259/bjrcr.20210230American Cancer Society.Treating colorectal cancer.American Cancer Society.Genetic testing, screening, and prevention for people with a strong family history of colorectal cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Lynch syndrome.
American Society of Clinical Oncology.Lynch syndrome.
Stoffel E, Mangu P, Gruber S, et al.Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline endorsement of the familial risk-colorectal cancer: European Society for Medical Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines.J Clin Oncol. 2015 Jan;33(2):209-217. doi:10.1200/JCO.2014.58.1322
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Microsatellite instability (MSI) screening.
Onka B, Mohamed DA, Yehouenou RTT, Adeyemi B, Traore WM, Kevin Arthur MM, Jerguigue H, Latib R, Omor Y.A tumor association to be aware: endometrial cancer and colon cancer in relation to Lynch syndrome.BJR Case Rep. 2022 Jan 12;8(2):20210230. doi:10.1259/bjrcr.20210230
American Cancer Society.Treating colorectal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Genetic testing, screening, and prevention for people with a strong family history of colorectal cancer.
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