Colon cancer in hereditary syndromes

Though representing less than 10% of colorectal cancers diagnosed worldwide, inherited colon cancer syndromes are important as their identification allows for screening and early interventions for both patients and their potentially affected family members. Both autosomal dominant and recessive gene mutations have been linked with these syndromes. High-penetrance mutations, such as those involved in tumor suppression or mismatch repair mechanisms, lead to phenotypes with increased colorectal cancer risk. Cancers that develop from hereditary syndromes differ from sporadic cancers in terms of timing, etiology, mechanisms, importance of diagnosis, and surveillance. This article defines these variations associated with the colorectal cancers linked with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes.