Lynch syndrome

noun

ˈlinch- 

: an inherited cancer syndrome that predisposes an individual to colon cancer along with one or more associated cancers (as of the endometrium, stomach, or ureter) and that has a clinical onset typically before age 50

Note: Lynch syndrome is caused by an inherited mutation in one of several genes which play a role in repairing DNA replication errors. A diagnosis of Lynch syndrome requires the presence of three or more associated cancers spanning two or more familial generations with one of the affected family members being a parent, sibling, or child of the other two affected family members and with the cancer presenting before the age of 50 in one of the affected family members.

Lynch syndrome is the most common cause of hereditary CRC [= colorectal cancer], accounting for 2% to 3% of new cases diagnosed.

—Krista Gomez, Oncology Nursing News

Identifying cases of Lynch syndrome is critical given the increased cancer risk not only for the patient (i.e., for other tumors), but also for the patient's family members.

—Eric E. Walk et al., Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

called also hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer