Identificación de cáncer colorrectal hereditario: Síndrome de Lynch.

Lynch syndrome accounts for approximately 4% of all colorectal cancers. The syndrome follow an autosomal dominant pattern and predisposes individuals to cancer development early in life. Lynch syndrome is caused by mutations in the germline genes encoding proteins responsible for repairing the damage to DNA, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. The family history is the primary method for identifying patients at high risk, however there are established clinical criteria. The establishment of surveillance and monitoring programs for the carriers help to reduce morbidity and mortality. The aim of this review is to describe the concepts about Lynch syndrome, tumor spectrum, clinical and pathological characteristics, genotype-phenotype correlation, methods of diagnosis and identification of mutations and highlight their impact on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]