[Tumour examination to detect hereditary colorectal cancer].
Lynch syndrome is the most common cause of hereditary intestinal cancer, with a 30-70% risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Prevention of CRC by colonoscopy in family members with Lynch syndrome is highly effective; therefore, it is important to trace as many people with this syndrome as possible. Criteria have been developed in the Netherlands to increase detection of hereditary colorectal cancer in a practically feasible and cost-effective way. Based on these criteria, the pathologist can perform microsatellite instability testing in patients recently diagnosed with CRC. The criteria are: CRC under the age of 50, second CRC under the age of 70, or CRC under the age of 70 with a concurrent or previous malignancy associated with Lynch syndrome. For family members and patients diagnosed with CRC more than a year ago, a digital test can be used to determine whether genetic counselling by a geneticist is indicated (www.umcn.nl/verwijzers).
Afd. Genetica, UMC St Radboud, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. n.hoogerbrugge@gen.umcn.nl
Nicoline
N
Hoogerbrugge
Rosella P
RP
Hermens
Fokko  M
F
Nagengast
Lucy  I H
L
Overbeek
Han J M
HJ
van Krieken
Marjolijn  J L
M
Ligtenberg
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control; D003123:Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053842:Microsatellite Instability; D008875:Middle Aged; D018570:Risk Assessment