Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch
syndrome, is a type of inherited cancer of the large intestine. People who have
HNPCC are at increased risk for developing small growths of excess tissue
(polyps) in the large intestine early in life, making it more likely the
growths will become cancerous.
A person with HNPCC may develop colon cancer at an early age
(before age 50).
HNPCC is strongly suspected when:
- Three or more family members have colorectal
cancer (one of whom is a first-degree relative).
- One or more family
members has had colorectal cancer before the age of 50.
- Colorectal
cancer involves two or more generations.
A genetic test can tell if a person carries the gene for
HNPCC.
