Lynch Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Lynch syndrome is a rare disorder. The condition iscolor, height, and other physical characteristics. Other
named after Henry Lynch, a doctor and authority onDNA segments of DNA carry genes that regulate the
inherited cancers. The estimated proportion of allduplication and the rate of growth of cells.
CRCs that are caused by Lynch syndrome dependsCauses of Lynch syndrome
on how this syndrome is defined, with traditionalThe common causes and risk factor's of Lynch
definitions being based on family history and age ofsyndrome include the following:
onset. It is also known as hereditary nonpolyposisLynch syndrome is caused by mutations or
colorectal cancer syndrome(HNPCC). It is caused byalterations of particular genes.
mutations or alterations of particular genes. LynchAge is the primary risk factor.
syndrome strongly predisposes people who have thisIf you have a family history of Lynch syndrome,
inherited defect to develop colorectal cancer as wellyou're at much greater risk of inheriting this condition
as several other types of cancer. The genesyourself.
associated with HNPCC can sometimes cause otherDaily alcohol use (may double the risk).
cancers, such as stomach, ovary, endometrium (theEating a high-fat, low-fiber diet.
lining of the womb) and kidney. HNPCC is an inheritedGenetic disorders such as familial polyposis syndromes
cause of cancer of the bowel. The HNPCC syndromeand hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer syndrome
is due to mutation in a gene in the DNA mismatch(HNPCC).
repair system, usually the MLH1 or MSH2 gene or lessNot having periods, or not having them often.
often the MSH6 or PMS2 genes. The syndrome isSmoking is also a risk factor for Lynch syndrome.
classified as Type I in the absence of extracolonicSymptoms of Lynch syndrome
cancers and Type II if these are present. However,Some sign and symptoms related to Lynch syndrome
sarcomas have rarely been described in theseare as follows:
families. The cancers of the colorectal areaChanges in bowel habits- for example, constipation or
associated with the Lynch Syndromes usually developdiarrhea that persists for longer than several days.
at a younger age than is normally found in otherChange in appetite.
persons with colorectal cancer.Abdominal pain and even an abdominal mass.
The syndrome is neither common nor rare, occurringFeelings of fatigue or weakness.
in one or two of every 1,000 people. Women withBlack, tarry stool, which may represent bleeding
HNPCC have a 20-60% lifetime risk of endometrialabove the rectum.
cancer. In HNPCC, the gastric cancer is usuallyIron deficiency without another identifiable cause.
intestinal-type adenocarcinoma. Other HNPCC-relatedRectal bleeding.
cancers have characteristic features: the urinary tractFatigue associated with anemia.
cancers are transitional carcinoma of the ureter andTreatment of Lynch syndrome
renal pelvis; the small bowel cancer is most commonHere is list of the methods for treating Lynch
in the duodenum and jejunum; and the mostSyndrome:
common type of brain tumor is glioblastoma. WhenWhen polyps associated with Lynch syndrome are
colorectal cancer is associated with Lynch syndrome,present, doctors remove them during a colonoscopy.
it tends to occur at a younger age than in mostChemotherapy, which uses drugs to destroy cancer
other colorectal cancer cases. Colorectal cancercells. This approach often follows surgery.
associated with Lynch syndrome tends to occur inSurgery may also be an option in people who carry
people at a younger age than for people with thethe genetic mutation of Lynch syndrome, even if
more common nonhereditary forms of colorectalthey don't yet have colorectal cancer.
cancer. Family history can provide important clues toThe standard treatment is to give radiotherapy after
the presence of the Lynch syndrome. Differentsurgery to women in certain circumstances.
segments of the DNA strands contain genesMost people with Lynch syndrome choose frequent
responsible for different structures and functions incolonoscopies over prophylactic surgery.
the body. For example, certain segments of DNAJuliet Cohen writes articles for diseases cure and
carry genes that determine one's eye color, hairhealth care information.