A health condition that increases the risk of different cancer types is called Lynch syndrome. It is a genetic condition that passes from biological parents to biological children. Families that have this syndrome experience more cancer cases than expected or compared to other families without this condition. These include colon cancer, endometrial cancer, and other types. It also makes the cancer appear at an earlier age.
However, careful testing for cancer is required for people with Lynch syndrome. It is recommended because the chances of successful removal of the cancer are higher when it is early detected.
Sometimes, this syndrome is called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). This term is often used to describe families with a strong history of colon cancer. Additionally, healthcare professionals use the term Lynch syndrome when they want to find the gene that starts in families and provokes cancer.
Symptoms
Those who suffer from this syndrome can experience the following cancers. Examples include:
- Colon cancer before 50 years old
- Endometrial cancer (it happens on the uterus lining) before 50 years old
- A medical history of more than one cancer type
- A family history of cancer before 50 years old
- Different cancers provoked by Lynch syndrome. For example, stomach cancer, ovarian cancer, brain cancer, ureteral cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, small intestine cancer, gallbladder cancer, bile duct cancer, and skin cancer.
It is recommended to visit a genetic counselor if a family member has this syndrome.
Causes
This syndrome happens due to specific genes that pass from parents to children. Genes are small pieces of DNA that contain a set of instructions for every chemical process that occurs in the body.
When the cells grow and produce new cells as part of their lifecycle, normally they make an additional copy of their DNA. In some cases, these copies have errors but the body has a set of genes that contain instructions for finding them and fixing the errors. This process is called by doctors’ mismatch repair genes.
Those who suffer from Lynch syndrome may have mismatch repair genes that do not work as they should and errors of the genes may not get fixed. As a result, it may lead to abnormal cell growth forming tumors.
This syndrome usually runs in families in an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, which means if only one parent carries this abnormal gene there is a 50% chance the children with have Lynch syndrome. Moreover, the risk is not affected according to which parent carries the gene.
Complications
People with Lynch syndrome may be concerned about their health. However, it may also cause concerns about other life parts. These include:
- Privacy – Some people may have some questions about what happen if other people find that you have this syndrome (such as people at your job or insurance companies). However, your healthcare professional can explain the laws that can protect you.
- Children – Children can inherit this abnormal gene from parents with this syndrome. Consult with your genetic counselor if you plan to become pregnant.
- Family – Sometimes, this condition can provoke problems for the entire family because other blood relatives have the risk of getting this syndrome too. However, healthcare providers can help you find the best way to tell family members about this syndrome.
Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals usually diagnose this condition based on the family history of cancer (including endometrial cancer, colon cancer, and others). They may also perform some procedures that will help them confirm the condition. For example:
Testing Cancer Cells
Doctors may get a sample of the cancer cells for testing if you or someone in your family has had cancer. These include:
- Microsatellite instability (MSI) testing – Those who suffer from Lynch syndrome will have some errors in these microsatellites (small pieces of DNA).
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing – This test involves specific dyes that stain tissue samples. Thereafter, dyes help identify certain proteins in the tissue. If these proteins are missing, doctors can identify genes associated with Lynch syndrome that causes cancer.
Previous tests (MSI and IHC) can help doctors identify cancer cells that have genetic mutations (changes). However, these tests cannot confirm Lynch syndrome. In such cases, people usually have genetic changes in their cells, meaning abnormal cells were not been inherited.
To confirm Lynch syndrome genetic testing is required because people with this syndrome have abnormal genes in all cells of the body.
Genetic Testing
These tests are used to determine genes that provoke Lynch syndrome. For this test, doctors will take a sample of blood. In case you have a family member with this syndrome, a test should be done to identify that abnormal gene. However, if you are the first member of your family, doctors will perform genetic testing to examine more genes. Check below what can show genetic tests:
- A positive genetic test outcome – It means that genetic changes that provoke Lynch syndrome are found in your cells. However, it does not mean you will have cancer but increases the risk of having one. To ensure you will not have cancer you should be tested for cancer and there are some treatment options that can reduce the risk.
- A negative genetic test outcome – In such cases, the gene that causes Lynch syndrome is not found in your cells. Such people may not have Lynch syndrome but have an increased risk of cancer. It occurs because families with Lynch syndrome have an elevated risk of different cancer types.
- A gene variation of unknown significance – Sometimes, after genetic testing, it is not clear whether you have genes that cause Lynch syndrome or not.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no way to cure Lynch syndrome. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, there are more chances that the cancer will be treated. Sometimes, the cancer can be prevented with surgery that removes body parts where cancer can develop. For more details, talk with your healthcare professional.
Some studies suggest that using Aspirin every day can reduce the risk of cancer in people with this syndrome. However, more research is needed to confirm these suggestions. In any case, you can consult with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Aspirin daily.
Check below some treatment options that could help to prevent cancers associated with Lynch syndrome:
- Prevention of endometrial cancer – This procedure is called hysterectomy (a surgery that removes the uterus). This surgery helps to prevent endometrial cancer. Sometimes, doctors may recommend a contraceptive device in the uterus (it is called an intrauterine device or IUD). It releases certain hormones that help to prevent this cancer type.
- Prevention of ovarian cancer – Similarly to previous cancer prevention, doctors will perform surgery that removes the ovaries. It is called oophorectomy and reduces significantly the risk of ovarian cancer. In some cases, oral contraceptives (birth control pills) can help to decrease the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Prevention of colon cancer – Colectomy is a surgery in which the surgeon will remove the colon to lower the risk of cancer. Healthcare providers may also perform colectomy to prevent recurrent colon cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lynch syndrome be cured?
No, it is not possible to cure this syndrome but with proper treatment, you can reduce the risk of certain cancer types. Another option to get rid of cancer is early diagnosis and proper treatment. If the cancer is detected when it is small the effectiveness of the treatment increases.
What is the main symptom of Lynch syndrome?
Commonly, the first symptom in people with this syndrome is bloody stool and constipation. If you experience this symptom, immediately contact your healthcare professional.
What are the best foods for people with Lynch syndrome?
It is advised to include in your diet the following foods because they can reduce the risk of cancer. These include oats, breakfast cereal, cooked and cooled pasta or rice, peas, beans, and slightly green bananas. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare professional.
