Lynch syndrome is an inherited genetic disorder that increases a person’s risk of developing cancer, often at a younger age in life. The most common cancers this condition is linked to are colorectal cancer and endometrial cancer in women. Lynch Syndrome is also tied to a greater risk of other types of cancers including stomach, small intestine, liver, ovarian, upper urinary tract, gallbladder ducts, brain, and skin.
Who is at risk for Lynch syndrome?
A person’s risk depends on which of the five Lynch syndrome-responsible genes has the inherited genetic defect and the types of cancer that have been diagnosed throughout their family’s medical history.
The strongest indicator of a person’s risk of Lynch syndrome is having family members with Lynch syndrome or history of specific cancers, particularly at younger than usual ages.
How is Lynch syndrome diagnosed?
Lynch syndrome is diagnosed through genetic testing or tumor screening.
Genetic testing: Your doctor may recommend genetic testing for multiple genes associated with the disorder. Genetic counseling and testing are recommended if one or more of the criteria below is met:
- Colorectal and endometrial cancer diagnosis at any age
- Family member with a confirmed diagnosis of Lynch syndrome
- Multiple original tumor cancer diagnoses
- Several family members have had cancers related to Lynch syndrome
Tumor screening: When colorectal or endometrial cancer is diagnosed, it is common to have the tumor tissue examined or screened to see if Lynch syndrome was the cause.
What is the treatment for Lynch syndrome?
The goal in treating Lynch syndrome is to detect any possible presence of cancer and/or provide continuous screenings for various types of cancers. If cancer is detected, treatments will be tailored to the type and severity of the cancer.
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