Lynch syndrome

Overview

Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that greatly increases your risk of colon and other cancers at an early age. Discovering the inherited mutations that cause Lynch syndrome is essential for creating a plan to detect and prevent cancer in at-risk individuals and families. Genetic testing looks for changes in your genes that indicate that you have Lynch syndrome.

Lynch syndrome has historically been called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Cancer isn't inevitable in Lynch syndrome, although the risk is high. Comprehensive screening and monitoring programs can help find precancerous lesions or cancerous changes in the earliest stages, when they are most easily treated.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for Lynch syndrome

• Experience and expertise. Mayo Clinic specialists diagnose and treat many inherited conditions, such as Lynch syndrome and other familial cancer syndromes. Mayo surgeons have built one of the largest and most experienced minimally invasive surgery practices in the United States.
• Teamwork. At Mayo Clinic, a team of experts in gastroenterology, oncology, colon and rectal surgery, and medical genetics, and other experts if needed, create a customized treatment plan for you.
• Advanced technologies. Mayo specialists use advanced screening and diagnostic methods, including tumor and genetic testing, to help detect gene mutations long before cancer occurs. Mayo Clinic developed a screening procedure to detect microsatellite instability (MSI) for people with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer. MSI screening helps determine who may need testing for Lynch syndrome, ensuring appropriate evaluation, treatment and genetic counseling. In addition, Mayo operates a large state-of-the-art colon cancer treatment and prevention center.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, which recognizes scientific excellence and a multispecialty approach focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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Learn more about Lynch syndrome.