What is hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC)?
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American Cancer Society answered:Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer, also known as Lynch syndrome, accounts for about 3% to 5% of all colorectal cancers. HNPCC can be caused by inherited changes in a number of different genes that normally help repair DNA damage.
This syndrome develops when people are relatively young. People with HNPCC have polyps, but they only have a few, not hundreds as in FAP. The lifetime risk of colorectal cancer in people with this condition may be as high as 80%.
Women with this condition also have a very high risk of developing cancer of the endometrium (lining of the uterus). Other cancers linked with HNPCC include cancer of the ovary, stomach, small bowel, pancreas, kidney, brain, ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), and bile duct.
Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer, also known as Lynch syndrome, accounts for about 3% to 5% of all colorectal cancers. HNPCC can be caused by inherited changes in a number of different genes that normally help repair DNA damage. This... More -
Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer is a genetic condition that leads many people to develop cancer. Also commonly referred to as lynch syndrome, it often puts you at a high risk for colon or rectal cancer as well as other cancers of the digestive system and reproductive system. If you have nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, you will need more frequent cancer screenings than someone with an average risk. You also may want to explore options of preventive surgery with your doctor.
Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer is a genetic condition that leads many people to develop cancer. Also commonly referred to as lynch syndrome, it often puts you at a high risk for colon or rectal cancer as well as other cancers of the... More -
Healthwise answered:Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome, is a type of inherited cancer of the large intestine. People who have HNPCC are at increased risk for developing small growths of excess tissue (polyps) in the large intestine early in life, making it more likely the growths will become cancerous. A person who has HNPCC may develop colon cancer at an early age (before age 50).
These things are common in families with HNPCC:
- A member of the family has at least three relatives who have had colon cancer, endometrial cancer or another HNPCC-related cancer. And at least one of the relatives is a parent, brother, sister or child.
- Those relatives are spread over two generations in a row (for example, a grandparent and a parent).
- One of those relatives had colorectal or endometrial cancer before age 50. A genetic test can tell if a person carries the gene for HNPCC.
HNPCC-related cancers include cancers of the colon, endometrium, stomach, ovary, pancreas, upper urinary tract, brain, small intestine, and skin.
Experts recommend that people with HNPCC have a colonoscopy every one to two years starting at age 20 to 25, or 10 years younger than the age at which the youngest family member who has colorectal cancer was diagnosed, whichever age is younger.
Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome, is a type of inherited cancer of the large intestine. People who have HNPCC are at increased risk for developing small growths of excess tissue (polyps) in the large... More
