Hereditary Gastrointestinal Cancer Syndromes

Risks

Causes and Risk Factors of Hereditary Gastrointestinal Cancer Syndromes

Hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes are caused by genetic mutations that are traditionally passed down by a parent. In some cases, genetic mutations occur spontaneously and cause abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells, forming a tumor or mass.

Risk factors of hereditary cancer syndromes:

• At least two first degree relatives with cancer
• Early age of onset
• Multiple or bilateral tumors (noncancerous or cancerous)
• A pattern of tumors in the same family (colon cancer, endometrial cancer)
• Presence of polyps

Diagnosis

Tests and Diagnosis of Hereditary Gastrointestinal Cancer Syndromes

Genetic testing and tumor studies for hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes help doctors make a differential diagnosis. Examples of gastrointestinal cancer syndromes include familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome.

And endoscopic a procedure inserts a camera into the colon, esophagus, or stomach, is to detect tumors or count polyps in making a prognosis. A sample of tissue (biopsy) may be taken during an endoscopic procedure and examined under a microscope to check if the cells are cancerous or noncancerous. Imaging tests, such as CT and MRI scans, are also used to confirm the presence of tumors or polyps.

Treatment

Treatment and Care for Hereditary Gastrointestinal Cancer Syndromes

If cancer-causing genes are identified, the patient will be referred to genetic counseling. Surveillance and regular screening for patients with hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes is the primary treatment plan for managing high-risk patients.

Surgery is usually performed to prevent the syndromes from becoming cancerous. Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive approach in which surgical instruments are inserted through a tube in the abdomen wall, is used to remove multiple polyps or tumors, or in some cases, a portion of the intestine or colon. Certain drug therapies can interfere with the ability of a cell to grow and divide; this can also be useful to shrink the tumor so it can be laparoscopically removed.