What are the characteristics of Lynch syndrome?

What are the characteristics of Lynch syndrome?

Lynch syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer such as colon and rectal cancer, as well as cancers of the stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder ducts, upper urinary tract, brain, skin, and prostate.

At what age can you be tested for Lynch syndrome?

Dr. Perez: The recommendations suggest to start screening at 20 to 25 years of age (if genetic test is positive or diagnostic of Lynch syndrome), or 2 to 5 years prior to first affected relative.

What happens if you test positive for Lynch syndrome?

If you test positive for Lynch syndrome, meaning that genetic mutations were found in your blood, this does not necessarily mean that you will get cancer. It means that your lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is between 60 to 80 percent.

Should I get a hysterectomy if I have Lynch syndrome?

The timing of surgical intervention needs to be carefully considered. Has a family been completed? If surgery has been decided, Lynch patients should have a full hysterectomy with removal of uterus, cervix, tubes and ovaries.

What happens if I have Lynch syndrome?

Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that increases your risk of colon cancer, endometrial cancer and several other cancers. Lynch syndrome has historically been known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).

Does Lynch syndrome skip a generation?

Because Lynch syndrome is hereditary, there is a 50% chance that a person will pass on the mutation to each of his or her children. Lynch syndrome does not skip generations.

Can Lynch syndrome be cured?

Lynch syndrome cannot be treated or cured. You may need treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation if you develop cancer. Treatment will depend on the kind of cancer you have.

What is the prognosis for Lynch syndrome?

Prognosis of Lynch syndrome type I: The prognosis is better than for the sporadic form of cancer, and there is increased risk for cancer development in certain extracolonic sites, such as the endometrium, ovary, stomach, small bowel, hepatobiliary tract, ureter, and renal pelvis.

What are the symptoms of Lynch syndrome?

Majority have no signs and symptoms of Lynch Syndrome, until colon cancer develops. When an individual develops colon cancer, the signs and symptoms may include: Abdominal mass. Abdominal pain. Rectal bleeding. Anemia. Weakness and fatigue.

What is the genetic test for Lynch syndrome?

Lynch syndrome can be confirmed through a blood test. The test can determine if someone carries a mutation that can be passed down (called heritable) in 1 of the genes associated with Lynch syndrome. Currently, testing is available for the MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and EPCAM genes.