Sometimes we see that several members of a family develop the same type of cancer. Or it is said that members of the same family have a higher risk of developing the disease. That is what we are going to talk about today. Although this is a bit of a complicated topic, let's try to understand it simply.
What are HNPCC and Lynch Syndrome?
Simply put, HNPCC (Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer) is a type of colorectal cancer caused by genetic mutations. This is because certain genes that we inherit from our parents make us more likely to develop cancer cells.
You may have heard of Lynch syndrome, which is also called Lynch syndrome . HNPCC and Lynch syndrome are actually related, but they are not exactly the same. We specifically refer to HNPCC as Lynch syndrome-related cancer diagnosed before the age of 50. This can include not only colon cancer, but also cancers of the lining of the uterus (endometrium), small intestine, ureter, and renal pelvis. In HNPCC, the cancer is most common on the right side of the colon.
How common is HNPCC?
HNPCC accounts for between 2% and 4% of all colorectal cancers. It can occur at any age, but symptoms often appear and the disease is diagnosed before the age of 50.
What are the symptoms of HNPCC?
In the early stages, HNPCC may not cause any symptoms. This means that the cancer can grow inside your body without you feeling anything. But as the cancer grows, you may experience symptoms like:
- Stomach pain or bloating.
- The food is tasteless.
- Blood in the stool. (This is a very important sign, don't ignore it!)
- Feeling tired all the time (Fatigue).
- Weight loss without an obvious reason.
What are the causes of HNPCC?
As we mentioned earlier, HNPCC is caused by gene mutations that are inherited from our parents. When these genetic defects are passed down from generation to generation, the risk of developing cancer increases in that family. We call this a 'family cancer syndrome'.
The main familial cancer syndrome that causes HNPCC is Lynch syndrome . It is caused by mutations in the genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM . The function of these genes is to correct errors that occur during DNA replication when our cells divide. Imagine, if these genes are not working properly, those errors are not corrected. Then the chances of normal cells becoming cancer cells are much higher.
Is HNPCC contagious?
No, HNPCC is not a contagious disease. This means that it is not spread from one person to another by touching or sneezing. However, the gene mutation that causes HNPCC is passed down from generation to generation . Therefore, several members of families with this gene mutation may develop colon cancer or other cancers associated with Lynch syndrome.
The important thing is that this defective gene and the risk of developing HNPCC can be inherited from parents to children.
How do doctors diagnose colon cancer?
Doctors usually do a physical examination to check for colon cancer. They then recommend a colonoscopy , which involves inserting a small, lighted tube through your anus to examine the inside of your colon.
If anyone in your family has HNPCC, you should definitely tell your doctor . It's very important.
What tests are done to confirm HNPCC?
Your doctor may recommend genetic testing to determine if you have the gene mutation associated with Lynch syndrome. Your doctor will also ask about:
- Has anyone in your immediate family (mother, father, siblings) ever had colon cancer? Especially if it was diagnosed before the age of 50.
- It also makes sure you don't have another hereditary colon cancer condition called Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) , which is caused by a different genetic mutation than HNPCC.
Is surgery necessary for HNPCC?
Yes, HNPCC is often treated with surgery. This surgery is called a colectomy . It involves removing part or all of the large intestine. There are several types of surgery:
- Partial colectomy or segmental colectomy: In this, only the part of the colon with cancer is removed.
- Proctectomy: This involves removing the colon and rectum.
- Total colectomy: In this, the entire colon is removed.
What other treatments are available for HNPCC?
If colon cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body, your doctor may recommend treatments such as:
- Chemotherapy: This involves giving drugs to destroy cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: This involves stimulating our own body's immune system to fight cancer cells.
Doctors often prefer immunotherapy because it is often more effective and has fewer side effects.
Can HNPCC be prevented?
These family cancer syndromes are caused by inherited genetic mutations. Therefore, there is no way to prevent these genetic mutations from occurring . However, if someone in your family has Lynch syndrome or HNPCC, it is very important to talk to your doctor about whether you should also have genetic testing.
Regular screening and, if necessary, preventive surgery can reduce the risk of death in people with HNPCC.
How do I know if I am at risk of developing HNPCC?
If genetic testing confirms that you have a gene mutation associated with Lynch syndrome, your doctor may recommend screening for colorectal cancer starting in your 20s . If cancer is detected early, the chances of successful treatment are much higher.
If I have HNPCC, what else should I expect?
If you have HNPCC, you may be at higher risk of developing other cancers related to HNPCC. So your doctor may also regularly screen you for these types of cancers:
- Brain cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Skin cancer
- Uterine/Endometrial cancer
Can HNPCC be cured?
Lynch syndrome cannot be completely cured because it is a genetic condition. However, surgery to remove the entire colon (total colectomy) can treat HNPCC and prevent the development of colon cancer .
What is the prognosis for people with HNPCC?
About 60% of people diagnosed with HNPCC are still alive after five years . That means that 60 out of 100 patients are still alive five years after their HNPCC diagnosis. The overall 10-year survival rate for people with Lynch syndrome is between 70% and 88%. These statistics may seem scary, but remember that with early detection and proper treatment, this condition can be largely controlled .
How can I take care of myself if I have HNPCC?
If you have any new symptoms of colon cancer, tell your doctor right away . To help prevent colon cancer, you can do these things:
- Avoid smoking.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get all cancer screenings recommended by your doctor.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Is my child at risk of developing HNPCC?
If you have Lynch syndrome, your child has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene mutation that causes it. This means that if you have two children, one may inherit the gene and the other may not. If such a gene mutation is inherited, that child has a higher risk of developing HNPCC.
Are FAP and HNPCC colon cancers the same?
HNPCC and FAP (Familial Adenomatous Polyposis) are both genetic colon cancers, but they are caused by mutations in different genes .
People with FAP develop many polyps in their colon. Sometimes there are thousands of these tiny growths called polyps. However, people with HNPCC do not develop many polyps, and sometimes cancer can develop without having any polyps. The polyps that develop in HNPCC are usually flat.
The polyps that develop in both of these conditions are considered precancerous , meaning they can turn into cancer within a short period of time.
The most important things we need to remember from this story are
HNPCC (Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer) is a type of colorectal cancer caused by a genetic defect that is passed down through generations. It is also associated with Lynch syndrome.
- If there is a family history of cancer, it is very important to talk to your doctor about it.
- Even if you don't have symptoms, if you are at risk , get regular screenings.
- If detected early, treatment is more likely to be successful.
- HNPCC is not a contagious disease, but it can be genetically inherited.
- It is very important to live a healthy lifestyle and follow medical advice.
If you have any more questions about this, don't be afraid to ask your doctor. They will help you.
` HNPCC, Lynch syndrome, colorectal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, genetic mutations, hereditary cancer, cancer screening, colonoscopy, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy
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