{"id":3555,"date":"2019-02-01T07:39:34","date_gmt":"2019-02-01T07:39:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=3555"},"modified":"2021-03-25T17:17:59","modified_gmt":"2021-03-25T17:17:59","slug":"15-causes-of-lynch-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-causes-of-lynch-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Causes of Lynch Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Lynch syndrome is a hereditary condition that increases the risk of developing cancer, such as colorectal and ovarian forms of the disease. Historically, the medical community categorizes Lynch syndrome as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies show that an estimated 3 out of every 100 patients diagnosed with endometrial or colon cancer develop the disease as a result of Lynch syndrome. Developing LS typically causes affected individuals to experience an earlier onset of cancers than expected in the general populace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals suffering from LS experience a variety of symptoms related to their condition. Gastrointestinal issues, as well as problems with the pelvic region, are common and can point to signs of emerging cancerous tumors in these areas. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease, (GERD), or individuals that experience a frequent infection of the urinary tract should consult with their doctor for a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are eight causes of Lynch syndrome, if you recognize any of them, contact your physician.
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1. Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lynch syndrome<\/a> carries several risk factors for developing the condition. The disease has a predisposition to affect those individuals prone to developing specific cancer types in the gastrointestinal and pelvic areas of the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cancer reaches a critical stage when normal cells experience changes to their genetic make-up, allowing a tumor to form in the affected tissue. Tumors can either be malignant (cancerous), or benign (non-cancerous.) Malignant tumors can metastasize and spread to other regions of the body as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals who suffer from Lynch syndrome have a significant increase in the risk associated with developing colorectal, (bowel), and endometrial (uterine,) cancer. Other areas of the body at risk of developing cancer due to Lynch syndrome are the prostate, pancreas, intestines, breasts, stomach, kidneys, and liver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lynch syndrome is one of the most common hereditary cancer syndromes. Studies show that as many as 1 in every 300-people may carry the altered gene contributing to the development of LS.
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2. Gene Mutation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our genes carry the DNA information that our body uses to instruct chemical processes in the body. As our body ages, our cells grow and then divide \u2013 making copies of DNA. Unfortunately, individuals affected by Lynch syndrome cannot correct changes in the genetic code and repair them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As genetic mistakes begin to accumulate in organs and tissues within the body, affected cells start to turn cancerous. If left untreated, or undiagnosed, these malignant tumors can spread to other areas of the body through a process known as \u201cmetastasis<\/a>.\u201d Therefore, it\u2019s possible for cancerous tumors to spread from the initial site, such as the bowels, to the liver or kidneys as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors who diagnose cancer in people outside of the general risk profile, such as young people who should not be affected by cancer, will typically test for Lynch syndrome to see if it\u2019s a contributing factor to the early development of the disease.
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3. Hereditary Factors <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lynch syndrome runs in the family. It\u2019s for this reason that doctors recommend that affected individuals should refrain from having children. LS affects families in what\u2019s known as an \u201cautosomal dominant inheritance pattern.\u201d This pattern means that if either of the parents carries the gene responsible for LS, there\u2019s a 50-percent chance that they will pass this gene onto their children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The risk of developing LS is the same regardless of whether the mother or father has LS, and both girls and boys have an equal predisposition to developing the condition. If your family has a history of colorectal or ovarian cancer, your doctor may order further tests for the evaluation of Lynch syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Lynch syndrome generally causes the onset of cancer <\/a>in young people, individuals diagnosed with cancer at an early age are typically required to undergo further testing for LS. If your family history has more than one generation affected by a specific type of cancer, you may carry LS.
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4. Tumors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event for anyone. Learning that your life could come to an early end due to contracting a dangerous disease can change your entire outlook on life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, some forms of cancer are treatable if caught in the early stages of the disease. It’s best to ask your doctor to test for Lynch syndrome if you or a member of your family receives a cancer diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors will perform a biopsy on tumors <\/a>to determine whether they are malignant or benign. During this procedure, the physician takes a tissue sample of the tumor for cancer analysis. A biopsy of the tissue reveals the presence of cells affected by LS, and if they\u2019re a contributing factor to the development of cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physicians test for cancer using two methods;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microsatellite instability (MSI) testing \u2013 Checks for aberrations of the DNA sequence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing \u2013 Uses special dyes to test for the presence of specific proteins in tissue.
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5. The Revised Bethesda Guidelines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When diagnosing patients for Lynch syndrome, physicians <\/a>follow a method known as, \u201cthe revised Bethesda guidelines.\u201d These criteria assist doctors in their diagnosis and help them to understand their risk profile for developing other life-threatening cancers in the future. The guidelines are as follows;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    The development of endometrial or colorectal cancer in people under the age of 50-years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Signs of high-level microsatellite instability (MSI-H,) or mismatch repair deficiency (MMR-D,) found during biopsy of tumor tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Developing colorectal cancer along with another form of cancer at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    One or more first-degree relatives, (children, parents, or siblings,) with colorectal cancer and one other LS-related cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    One or more second-degree relatives, (grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces,) with colorectal cancer and one or more LS-related cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Detection and diagnosis of any other form of LS-related cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When visiting your physician, they will ask you a series of questions about your medical history relating to cancer, as well as order a battery of tests that follow the guidelines as mentioned above.
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6. Other Syndromes <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lynch syndrome that affects the skin is known as \u201cMuir-Torre.\u201d Individuals with genetic mutations of the skin and brain tissue passed down through the generations are likely to develop this condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skin lesions <\/a>and tumors such as sebaceous adenomas, epitheliomas, keratoacanthomas, and carcinomas, are all rare epidermal conditions. If your doctor discovers evidence of these skin tumors, it may warrant further testing for LS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some individuals may develop brain tumors along with colorectal cancer. In this case, your doctor may order tests for Turcot syndrome. Doctors previously referred to affected individuals suffering from Lynch syndrome and another genetic anomaly named, \u201cfamilial adenomatous polyposis,\u201d (FAP,) as having \u201cTurcot syndrome.\u201d However, Turcot syndrome is no longer thought by the medical community to be a distinct genetic syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LS can turn on cancer genes in a variety of other organs and tissues within the body. If your doctor suspects cancer may be a concern for you, or they diagnose you with some form of the disease at an early age, most physicians will order tests to check for signs of LS.
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7. Late Detection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people don\u2019t realize they have Lynch syndrome until they receive cancer symptoms, and early diagnosis <\/a>one of the most crucial aspects of beating the disease. Most forms of cancer are treatable if discovered early. Colorectal and prostate cancer have an excellent 5-year survival rate, and most people will manage to recover from the disease with the right treatment and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, since LS remains relatively undetected until cancerous tumors appear, it\u2019s unlikely that you\u2019ll notice any signs of the disease in its early stages. If you have any form of cancer in your family, doctors recommend that you receive regular checkups for the development of cancer cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some basic guidelines for high-risk individuals include;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    A colonoscopy every 2-years, starting from age 25.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Upper-endoscopies every three years from age 30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Uterine biopsies, pelvic exams, and transvaginal ultrasounds, once a year starting at age 30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colonoscopies are effective at discovering colon cancer early, and some affected individuals may choose to have the affected area of their colon removed before cancer cells start to multiply.
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8. Complications with Lynch Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A genetic disorder like Lynch syndrome has a devastating impact on anyone diagnosed with the disease. Not only does it increase your chance of developing cancer, but it takes a toll on your mental health as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People diagnosed with LS or cancer should speak to a counselor about their condition. Knowing that you have a dread disease can alter the way you perceive the world and how you think. Many people who receive a cancer diagnosis struggle to come to terms with their illness, and as a result, they end up in a state of depression <\/a>or extreme anxiety as they worry about their future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visiting with a counselor for a session can help you deal with how to break the news of your LS and cancer to your family, friends, and work colleagues. Successfully beating cancer requires a sharp mind and plenty of support from your family and community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9.  Nutrition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is really only one cause of Lynch syndrome as we have made clear so far throughout this article: that is genetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what\u2019s useful to remember is that lynch syndrome is in itself not necessarily a serious sentence. Rather, Lynch syndrome will just increase your chances of developing cancer \u2013 with other factors being required to actually trigger the cancer itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, there are things you can do in order to give yourself the best chance possible at avoiding the worst-case scenario, and by living the healthiest lifestyle<\/a>, you may be able to prevent lynch syndrome from ever developing into something more serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In particular, one thing you should pay close attention to is your diet. If you eat a healthy diet, then you will be able to provide your body with a strong immune system through the inclusion of vitamins and minerals, and you\u2019ll be able to provide lots of antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules in food that work to neutralize the effects of free radicals. Free radicals meanwhile are elements that react negatively with cell walls, damaging them and eventually breaking through in order to cause a mutation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, get a good diet, and you can potentially limit your likelihood of developing something worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Environmental Stressors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Environmental stressors are things in your environment that cause physical stress <\/a>to your body. That means things like sunlight which we all know can cause mutations, things like smoke, and things like certain waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem with these stressors is that they can bombard the cells. Radiation, smoke, and more can over time wear down the cell walls until they eventually break through and damage the DNA \u2013 the genetic blueprint that lives within every cell, and which has the important job of helping to create perfect copies every time one of your cells splits and multiplies via the process known as mitosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, environmental stressors such as these will not cause Lynch syndrome. BUT if you are already prone to cancer, then you should definitely avoid these elements that can \u2018push you over the edge\u2019 as it were.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Secondary Mutation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is commonly believed that lynch syndrome skips generations in a manner similar to some other illnesses. However, this is in fact not the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather, it is simply true that not everyone with Lynch syndrome will develop cancer, and therefore will not be so likely to have the issue diagnosed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lynch syndrome is caused specifically by mutations <\/a>on one part of a pair of certain repair genes. Those are MSH2, MSH6, and PMS1. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, some people with these mutations will never develop cancer because they won\u2019t get the secondary mutation that is necessary to \u2018knock out\u2019 the function of the gene to, therefore, begin the process of the tumor formation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Stress <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve seen how environmental stressors like radiation and smoke can cause Lynch syndrome to develop into actual cancer. But did you know that psychological stress can also play a role?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s because psychological stress affects our body in a myriad of different ways, and takes a very serious toll. Among other things, stress will subdue the action of the immune system<\/a>. This works by redirecting blood and energy away from the immune system and toward other systems like the muscles, the lungs, the brain and more. The idea is to help you fight or fly \u2013 and to forget about functions that are normally carried out in the background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This subdued immune system then makes it much easier for many other things to go wrong. Meanwhile, the chemicals associated with stress can act as environmental stressors within the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Calories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The number of calories <\/a>and the amount of protein you eat may increase your likelihood of developing cancer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several studies have shown to reduce your food intake can increase lifespan by a huge degree, and the reason for this is that food allows the body to recycle itself at a greater rate \u2013 creating more and more cells which increase the chance for error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conversely, when we are starved, we enter a state called autophagy. In this state, the body begins to recycle its existing cells in order to get more raw materials for building new cells and tissue. The body will start with the cells that are damaged or imperfect, thereby cleaning up its mistakes and reducing the likelihood of damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intermittent fasting might be a great way to keep cancer at bay then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Uncertainty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is some uncertainty as to what exactly causes lynch syndrome, or how it behaves. For instance, we do not fully know what causes the mutations to appear in the first place, and likewise, we don\u2019t know what causes the secondary mutations that are also known to occur. It is thought that this might be due to a range of factors that we have discussed above (physical and biological) but there is some element of uncertainty. Not only that, but the diagnostic criteria are also widely believed to be insufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many conditions that we do not fully understand and while this can be scary, it is useful to remember that this doesn\u2019t necessarily prevent us from accurately identifying them, or from fighting them, managing symptoms<\/a>, and improving outcomes once they are spotted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, then, we don\u2019t entirely know the cause and this means that you can\u2019t 100% know where the problem comes from or what you need to do in order to reduce your chances of it being triggered. Hopefully, with more time, we will gain a better understanding of Lynch syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Chance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that there is always an element of chance when it comes to lynching syndrome and any form of cancer. Just because you have the condition does not mean that you are necessarily going to develop cancer. What\u2019s more, is that there is only a 50\/50 chance of it being passed down from one parent to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, then, this is not a sure thing in any sense, and a lot of the cause and the ultimate resolution is entirely down to chance. This means that you should, of course, try to stack the deck in your favor as much as possible by leading a healthy lifestyle, but know that to some extent the result will be out of your hands. You should try to eat and live healthily but within reason. And the best thing you can do to improve your chances as always is to listen to the advice of your physician<\/a>.
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