Phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity in the Lynch syndrome: diagnostic, surveillance and management implications.
Lynch syndrome is the most common form of hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC). This review covers the cardinal features of Lynch syndrome with particular emphasis upon its diagnostic criteria, molecular genetics, natural history, genetic counseling, surveillance and management. Considerable attention has been given to the etiologic role of mismatch repair (MMR) genes as well as low penetrance alleles and modifier genes. The American founder mutation, a deletion of exons 1-6 of MSH2, is discussed in some detail, owing to its high frequency in the US (19 000-30 000 carriers). Genetic counseling is essential prior to patients' undergoing DNA testing and again when receiving their test results. Families with a lower incidence of CRC and extracolonic cancers, in the face of being positive for Amsterdam I criteria but who do not have MMR deficiency by tumor testing, are probably not Lynch syndrome, and thereby should preferably be designated as familial CRC of undetermined type. Patients who are either noncompliant or poorly compliant with colonoscopy, and who are MMR mutation positive, may be candidates for prophylactic colectomy, while MMR mutation-positive women who are noncompliant with gynecologic surveillance may be candidates for prophylactic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
Department of Preventive Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA. htlynch@creighton.edu
Henry T
HT
Lynch
C Richard
CR
Boland
Gordon
G
Gong
Trudy G
TG
Shaw
Patrick M
PM
Lynch
Riccardo
R
Fodde
Jane F
JF
Lynch
Albert
A
de la Chapelle
D003123:Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018740:Genetic Heterogeneity; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D010375:Pedigree; D010641:Phenotype