Have you heard that lynch syndrome increases the risk of cancer in certain people? Are you wondering what this condition means? Today, we will answer all your doubts regarding lynch syndrome, its diagnosis, and treatment. This genetic condition increases a person’s susceptibility to developing certain forms of cancer before they turn fifty. Lynch syndrome treatment is, fortunately, possible if it is diagnosed promptly.
Let us now look through various methods to diagnose and treat this condition.
What is Lynch Syndrome?
Lynch syndrome is also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). It is the most common cause of heredity colorectal (colon) cancer. People with this syndrome are most likely to get infected at a young age. It is an inherited disorder that may increase the risk of many types of stomach cancers, small intestine, liver, urinary tract, brain, etc.
Furthermore, Women with this disorder are more likely to get affected than men because of their reproductive system. This is among the most familiar hereditary cancer syndrome. Estimate suggests, in the United States, 1 in 300 people have genetically transmitted this syndrome.
Read more to know the early symptoms of lynch syndrome, treatments, etc.
What are the Early Symptoms of Lynch Syndrome
Many patient with the lynch syndrome experience no symptoms in the early stage of this disease. Symptoms may not appear until it reaches the advanced stage. Frequent routine screening and seeking your doctor's advice may help to diagnose the disease.
The symptoms of this syndrome are similar to the symptoms of the other colon diseases.
Some early symptoms of Lynch Syndrome are:-
- Bloody stool
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Abdominal cramps
- Gas pain
- Bloating
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
If you are experiencing these symptoms, consult your doctor or physician and get yourself diagnosed.
How is Lynch Syndrome Diagnosed?
The first step towards diagnosing lynch syndrome is getting a comprehensive family medical history. The doctor will ask if anyone in your family has suffered from cancer. Based on your answer, he/she will assign several tests.
If someone in your family has had cancer, the doctor will ask you to test a sample of the cells to study them and understand how genetics can affect you. There are two kinds of testing for cancer cells in lynch syndrome treatment:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing: this test uses a special dye to check whether there are missing proteins in the cells. This can help in determining your risk factors for developing cancer.
- Microsatellite instability (MSI) testing: microsatellites are small fragments of DNA. in a new treatment for lynch syndrome. This test is used to check for abnormalities in the DNA which can point towards developing cancer later in life.
Positive test results in any of the two tests mentioned above can point to an increase in the occurrence of lynch syndrome. Before lynch syndrome treatment can commence, it is important to know which factors affect its occurrence, which is why it is important to conduct these tests.
Genetic testing is also another way to diagnose Lynch syndrome. In this process, a person's genes are tested to check their propensity towards developing the condition. Genetic testing can have two kinds of results:
- Positive result: this implies that the genes for lynch syndrome were found in your cells. This does not automatically mean you will develop cancer, but it means your chances of developing cancer can be much higher than those without lynch syndrome. Your personal risk factors will depend on your family history. To lower these risk factors, you can work with a genetics professional to understand where you stand and how to negate the risks.
- Negative result: this implies that the genes for lunch syndrome were not found in your cells. Hence, you may not have to lynch syndrome, but you could still have a propensity toward certain cancers. This is when you do not have lynch syndrome symptoms, yet can still develop cancer.
However, it is also important to know that genetic testing cannot always give a definite yes or no answer. Sometimes, the test results can be quite inconclusive. In these cases, the doctor may refer you to a genetics expert who can help you understand your health status.
How is Lynch Syndrome Treated?
The first thing to know about lynch syndrome is that it is not curable. People who suffer from lynch syndrome have to test for the possibility of developing cancer. In case the cancer is detected in its early stages, it is possible to treat it completely
However, while the cancer is treatable, there is no cure for lynch syndrome. No lynch syndrome drug can be used to address the problem. In many cases, to avoid cancer, the doctor may advise you to remove any organ or undergo an operation. This is a preventive measure that makes sure that cancer does not manifest itself in the first place.
We will now discuss how lynch syndrome treatment starts and how to go about it.
How are Lynch Syndrome Patients Screened for Cancer?
Someone can develop cancer even without showing any external signs and symptoms. Depending on your health situation, the doctor can decide which cancer tests you require. In this case, it is important to factor in which gene of lynch syndrome you carry, which can narrow down the possibilities. Another factor that is considered is the kind of cancer that runs in your family. Based on the results, lynch syndrome chemotherapy can be performed.
Some of the most common tests include:
1. Colon Cancer
A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a tube is inserted into your colon to check for signs of abnormal growth or tissue damage. Since colon cancer is one of the most common aftereffects of lynch syndrome, the first step in lynch syndrome treatment includes a colon exam. People with lynch syndrome are advised to start colonoscopy screenings in their mid-20s. If the cancer is diagnosed promptly, it can be cured through lynch syndrome surgery.
2. Endometrial Cancer
The inner lining of the uterus is known as the endometrium. Endometrial cancer is cancer of the inner lining or the inner wall of the uterus. This is seen only in women, and uterus imaging can help in the timely diagnosis of this problem. Women with lynch syndrome often suffer from endometrial cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to start screening as early as possible. A sample of the endometrium can also be tested to check for any abnormal tumors.
3. Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is also very commonly led by lynch syndrome. For the proper commencement of lynch syndrome treatment, it is important to test the blood for signs of ovarian cancer.
4. Stomach and Small Intestine Cancers
An endoscopy checks for signs of cancer in your esophagus, stomach, or small intestine. This can test for signs of cancer in your digestive system. You can also be tested to check for bacteria along the lining of your organs which can lead to cancer. Lynch syndrome treatment can be successfully started once the doctor understands which type of cancer he/she is dealing with.
Other common forms of cancer that are screened for include urinary tract cancer, brain cancer, skin cancer, and pancreatic cancer. These are the cancers whose risks are heightened if you suffer from lynch syndrome and do not begin treatment on time.
How is Lynch Syndrome Treatment Carried Out?
In certain cases, the best way to prevent cancer caused by lynch syndrome would be to operate or perform surgery. Discussing the benefits and risks of this step before you consent to it is important. Lynch syndrome life expectancy is normal if the cancer is detected and cured promptly. Some of the treatments available are for:
1. Colon Cancer Prevention
A colectomy is performed to remove some or most of the colon. This significantly lowers the risk of colon cancer in people. If you have already been diagnosed with colon cancer, removing the colon can be one of the best ways to treat the condition. Lynch syndrome immunotherapy is also a viable option.
There are some other ways of lynch syndrome treatment in people with colorectal cancer. These are:
- Polypectomy: In this process, the doctor removes cancerous polyps from the colon's lining.
- Ablation: Radiofrequency waves are used to kill cancer-causing tumors through this method.
- Cryosurgery: A thin metal probe is used to administer cold gas on the surface of a tumor to kill the cancer-causing cells.
- Embolization: In this process, a tube is placed in an artery to obstruct blood flow to a tumor.
2. Endometrial Cancer Prevention
A hysterectomy can be performed to remove the uterus surgically. This lowers the risk of endometrial cancer. In case the surgical option is not viable, there is another way you can lower the risk of this cancer. Intrauterine devices or IUDs are a helpful source of contraception, which can also help reduce the chances of cancer.
Conclusion
Lynch syndrome is a heritable condition that increases the risk of developing numerous cancers, particularly endometrial and colorectal cancer. It may be caused due to some inherited mutations in DNA that can lead to cancer. Early detection and regular physician checkups can help you diagnose the disease. Especially genetic counseling and testing can make it easier to get identified. We hope this piece of information may help you deeply understand this syndrome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the best new treatment for Lynch syndrome?
The best new treatment for Lynch syndrome is an endoscopic approach. The focus of this treatment is to remove the polyps.
Q2. What is the survival rate of Lynch syndrome?
Studies shows that the survival rate of the Lynch syndrome is 89.5%.
Q3. Is Lynch syndrome a cancer?
It is a hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
