hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer

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hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer

pathology

Also known as: HNPCC, Lynch syndrome, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer(Show More)

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July 16, 2026

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Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is a genetic condition that significantly increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer. It is caused by inherited mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, primarily MSH2 or MLH1. These genes are crucial for repairing errors that occur during DNA replication.12

When these genes are mutated, the cell's ability to correct mistakes in its genetic code is impaired. This leads to an accumulation of mutations, which can then trigger the development of cancer. Individuals with HNPCC have a nearly 100 percent lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer due to the combination of their inherited mutation and subsequent somatic mutations. This contrasts with sporadic cancers, which are not inherited and typically arise later in life.1

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colorectal cancer
Causes and symptoms
…polyposis (FAP), Gardner syndrome, and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC)—can predispose an individual to developing colorectal cancer. Each of these conditions is caused in part by a known genetic mutation. In addition, Ashkenazi Jews have a slightly higher incidence of colorectal cancer due to a mutated gene, and there exists…
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…polyposis (FAP), Gardner syndrome, and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC)—can predispose an individual to developing colorectal cancer. Each of these conditions is caused in part by a known genetic mutation. In addition, Ashkenazi Jews have a slightly higher incidence of colorectal cancer due to a mutated gene, and there exists…
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cancer
DNA repair defects
…syndromes of inherited cancer susceptibility, hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer. That form of colorectal cancer accounts for 15 to 20 percent of all colon cancer cases. Inherited or acquired alterations in the mismatch repair genes allow mutations—specifically point mutations and changes in the lengths of simple sequence repetitions—to accumulate rapidly (behavior…
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…syndromes of inherited cancer susceptibility, hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer. That form of colorectal cancer accounts for 15 to 20 percent of all colon cancer cases. Inherited or acquired alterations in the mismatch repair genes allow mutations—specifically point mutations and changes in the lengths of simple sequence repetitions—to accumulate rapidly (behavior…
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human genetic disease
Genetics of cancer
forms of familial colorectal cancer, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), have also been linked to predisposing mutations in specific genes. Persons with familial HNPCC have inherited mutations in one or more of their DNA mismatch repair genes, predominantly MSH2 or MLH1. Similarly, persons with FAP…
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forms of familial colorectal cancer, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), have also been linked to predisposing mutations in specific genes. Persons with familial HNPCC have inherited mutations in one or more of their DNA mismatch repair genes, predominantly MSH2 or MLH1. Similarly, persons with FAP…
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cancer
Immune surveillance
…tumor cells in persons with hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, also called Lynch syndrome. Those individuals inherit a faulty DNA mismatch repair system and as a consequence produce many mutant proteins. When such mutant proteins appear on the surface of tumor cells, they are recognized as foreign and rejected. Tumors that…
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…tumor cells in persons with hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, also called Lynch syndrome. Those individuals inherit a faulty DNA mismatch repair system and as a consequence produce many mutant proteins. When such mutant proteins appear on the surface of tumor cells, they are recognized as foreign and rejected. Tumors that…
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ovarian cancer
Causes and symptoms
…with a condition known as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer carry genetic mutations that place them at increased risk for ovarian cancer. Risk is also higher in women who have a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Certain specific acquired mutations in several…
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…with a condition known as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer carry genetic mutations that place them at increased risk for ovarian cancer. Risk is also higher in women who have a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Certain specific acquired mutations in several…
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Paul Modrich
…for mismatch repair deficiency in hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (Lynch syndrome)—the most prevalent type of hereditary colorectal malignancy in humans—as well as in certain neurodegenerative conditions, such as Huntington disease.
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…for mismatch repair deficiency in hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (Lynch syndrome)—the most prevalent type of hereditary colorectal malignancy in humans—as well as in certain neurodegenerative conditions, such as Huntington disease.
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