title: Genetics of colorectal and breast cancer.
abstract: Colorectal and breast cancers account for a significant number of deaths due to malignant neoplasia. Laboratory medicine plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of these tumors through the application of histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and serologic identification of tumor markers. Approximately 5% to 10% of colorectal and breast cancers result from an inherited predisposition. The genes responsible for most genetically transmitted cancers have been identified, and the application of findings from molecular pathology are being evaluated. This article reviews the genetic changes that occur as a result of somatic mutation and inherited or germline mutations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23298-0248, USA.
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Garrett
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Liscia
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nasim
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ferreira-Gonzalez
mesh_terms: D011125:Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D003123:Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor / Q000235:genetics; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000235:genetics; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008967:Molecular Biology; D011519:Proto-Oncogenes / Q000235:genetics