title: Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes: familial adenomatous polyposis and lynch syndrome.
abstract: Familial colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for 10% to 20% of all cases of CRC. Two major autosomal dominant forms of heritable CRC are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer). Along with the risk for CRC, both syndromes are associated with elevated risk for other tumors. Improved understanding of the genetic basis of these diseases has not only facilitated the identification and screening of at-risk individuals and the development of prophylactic or early-stage intervention strategies but also provided better insight into sporadic CRC. This article reviews the clinical and genetic characteristics of FAP and Lynch syndrome, recommended screening and surveillance practices, and appropriate surgical and nonsurgical interventions.
authors.affiliation: Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 1225-600 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X5. wigdan.al.sukhni@utoronto.ca
authors.forename: Wigdan
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Al-Sukhni
authors.forename: Melyssa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aronson
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gallinger
mesh_terms: D011125:Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D003123:Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans