Lynch syndrome: Surveillance and management

Object: To report the latest guidelines on the diagnosis and management of Lynch syndrome. Methods: Literature review concerning the management, testing and screening of lynch syndrome. Results: Lynch syndrome is a hereditary syndrome predisposing to colorectal cancer as well as other gynecologic, urothelial and digestive cancers. It is due to a genetic disorder inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. Lynch syndrome is suspected whenever a young patient presents a cancer, or has a familial history of neoplasia, or presents with more than one cancer. Testing for Lynch syndrome goes through genetic testing and immunohistochemistry of biopsies or tumors. Screening begins at the age of 20 years old for affected patients, and concerns colorectal cancers and other Lynch associated cancers. Conclusion: The management of Lynch syndrome should be conducted in an optimal way because of the very high risk of colorectal cancer.