Lynch syndrome

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Definition Symptoms Causes When to seek medical advice Tests and diagnosis

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Definition

Lynch syndrome is a rare inherited condition that increases your risk of colon cancer and other cancers. Lynch syndrome is also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). A number of inherited syndromes can increase your risk of colon cancer, but Lynch syndrome is the most common. An estimated 2 percent to 3 percent of colon cancers — or two or three out of every 100 colon cancers — are thought to be caused by Lynch syndrome.

Families that have Lynch syndrome usually have more cases of colon cancer than would typically be expected. Lynch syndrome also causes colon cancer to occur at an earlier age than it might in the general population.

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Symptoms