What to Know about Lynch Syndrome

Author: Poly Clinic

Lynch syndrome is a condition that many people do not know about unless it runs in their family. It is an inherited or hereditary syndrome, meaning that it is a result of your genetics. This condition increases an individual's risk for breast cancer, colon cancer, and other types of cancer. It can also result in an earlier cancer than people would otherwise expect, particularly in the case of colon cancer. If you believe you may be at risk for this syndrome, it is important that you know some things about it.

The Causes and Symptoms

Because Lynch syndrome is hereditary, an individual's genes will cause the condition. Families with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern will have the syndrome. When an individual carries the gene for the condition, the child has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the gene mutation as well. Things such as gender do not impact the chances of inheriting or passing on the gene in any way.
Those who have Lynch syndrome can experience a higher risk of a range of cancers, including the following:

• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Liver cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Small intestine cancer
• Other related cancers

The Effect

When an individual has the syndrome, the genes in their body that correct problems in the genetic code are affected. As the DNA splits and reproduces itself for the growth of cells, small mistakes can often occur in the genetic code. The body prepares for this by finding these small mistakes and correcting them. However, the mutation of the condition stops the body from being able to correct these small mistakes. This can result in the cells with problematic genetic code becoming cancerous.

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A Diagnosis

If your family has a history of cancer, certain cancers at a young age, or Lynch syndrome diagnosis, then you will want to be tested for the syndrome. Your doctor can test for the condition with genetic testing. You will need to provide a blood sample, which will be sent to a lab for the gene mutation. You can get a positive, negative, or unknown result.

• A positive result means that the gene mutation was found, and means that you have the syndrome. This means that you are at a higher risk for cancer, and you will want to take steps for treatment.
• A negative result means that the gene mutation was not found. If other people in your family have been diagnosed with the syndrome, then this means that you are not at an increased risk as a result of the syndrome. If no one else in your family has been diagnosed, you could still be at a higher risk, as your family may have the syndrome with a mutation that cannot be detected with genetic testing.
• An unknown result means that a genetic mutation was found, but the doctors do not know the significance of it. If you receive this result, then your doctor will talk to you about what it means in your situation.

The Treatment

Lynch syndrome cannot be cured, but you can take steps for treatment. You should get regular testing for the types of cancer that the syndrome commonly leads to. You are not guaranteed to get cancer, but your risk is higher and you will need to act accordingly. Finding these cancers early will increase the chances of success. In some cases, you may want to take more extreme measures, such as having your colon, ovaries, or uterus removed to prevent those types of cancer. You and your doctor will need to discuss what is best for your unique needs and what your family history can indicate for your situation.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/what-to-know-about-lynch-syndrome-7191542.html
 
About the Author
The Polyclinic is well known for our diagnostic and medical oncology services, and we are now pleased to expand our breast health and cancer care programs with the addition of breast surgeon Dr. F. Ames Smith, Jr. While not all breast issues require surgery, Dr. Smith's education and experience make him an expert in both surgical and non-surgical treatment of breast problems.