Alternative Names & Classifications:
Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (CLINICAL)
Description
Lynch syndrome is caused by mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes (such as MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2). Because cells cannot fix small errors that occur during DNA replication, genetic mutations accumulate rapidly, leading to highly aggressive malignancies. It drastically increases the lifetime risk of colon, endometrial, and other abdominal cancers, often striking at a young age.