Colon cancer and other lynch cancers: Screening and prevention

Individuals identified to be at risk for Lynch syndrome, by detection of either a germline mutation in one of the mismatch repair (MMR) genes (hMLH1, hMSH2, hMSH6, or hPMS2) or suspected carrier of an MMR gene mutation by informative tumor studies (high levels of microsatellite instability and/or loss of MMR protein expression), are recommended to undergo high-risk surveillance of the colon and rectum and other extracolonic sites. These recommendations also apply to either individuals suspected of being at risk or affected members of Lynch families based on their family history. This chapter will review the literature regarding screening recommendations for colorectal, stomach, small bowel, and urinary tract tumors.