Type of Colon Cancer Called Lynch Syndrome

Lynch syndrome, or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is an inherited disorder that causes cancer of the colon and rectum. People with Lynch syndrome are at a high risk of developing cancers of the brain, skin, digestive system and liver.

Statistics

• According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 160,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal (affecting both the colon and rectum) cancer in the U.S. each year, and Lynch syndrome is the cause in 2 to 7 percent of these cases.

Significance

• People affected by Lynch syndrome are more likely to develop colon cancer at a younger age (typically before age 45) than others.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Lynch syndrome include frequent toilet visits due to constipation or diarrhea, weight loss, stomach pain and blood in stool.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing Lynch syndrome requires a study of the patient's family history, tumor tests (such as immunohistochemistry and microsatellite instability testing) and genetic testing.

Treatment

• Colon cancer treatment includes radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Lynch syndrome patients might need extensive surgery, such as a colectomy or hysterectomy, because they are likely to develop cancer in the future.