Lynch syndrome, previously known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is a type of genetic disorder. It is caused by mutation of certain types of genes. This syndrome puts a person more at a risk to develop some cancers, especially colorectal cancer and very early in life, which the remaining population would have developed otherwise in later years. Also, one suffering from this syndrome, is more at a risk of developing cancers of uterus, ovaries, stomach, kidneys etc. and at an early age compared to others.
What Is The Recovery Period For Lynch Syndrome?
Lynch syndrome is not a group of symptoms or diseases. It is not a disease as such. Hence, the recovery period cannot be estimated for the lynch syndrome or HNPCC as such, but it will have to be calculated according to the cancer or cancers that one inherits from this condition. Also, the treatment method used will be a deciding factor in determining the recovery period.
Lynch syndrome is an inherited autosomal dominant condition. This means that a person inherits the risk of getting colorectal cancer and also other cancers. Person can pass on this inheritance to one’s children with a chance of 50%. The lynch syndrome is presently associated with five types of genes. However, more unknown genes might also be associated, which are yet to be discovered.
Some genes in our body are responsible for recognizing and repairing any minor mistakes that might have occurred during the replication of the DNA. These small mistakes are usually tackled by these genes. However, if these genes undergo mutation and become diseased, they cannot do their work of repairing the mistakes effectively. The minor mistakes therefore, keep piling up and more genetic damage keeps happening. This results in development of diseased cells and thus the cells become cancerous. Lynch syndrome may not show any symptoms at all in the initial stages of occurrence. The fact is that, most of the times lynch syndrome is diagnosed at a much advanced stage. Therefore, if one is suspected of being affected by lynch syndrome, it is necessary for him to undergo regular screenings and blood tests in order to detect any signs of cancer at the earliest. Also, colonoscopy will be recommended as and when required.
Lynch Syndrome Treatment
The lynch syndrome treatment option usually includes surgery. A part of the colon or the complete colon may have to be removed, depending upon the extent of the spread of the cancer and according to several other factors. The recovery from the surgery usually depends upon what kind of surgery is performed. If part is removed, the remaining colon will be stitched together; and the stool can then pass as earlier through it. If complete colon is removed, then a stoma- an opening in the abdomen for output of the waste and collection in a pouch attached- is created for the removal of the waste. The recovery will generally take from 4 days to a week. A diet will have to be followed as per the doctor’s advice for a few weeks so that everything returns to the normal quickly.
Other nearby parts, where this cancer can affect may also be removed as a prophylaxis.
The lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, is an autosomal dominant condition. It increases the tendency of inheriting a colorectal cancer, or other cancer, greatly in a person who is affected by it. Also, there are chances that the affected person will pass the mutated genes to his children with a chance of 50%. Hence, if anyone is known to be suffering from this condition in the family, it must be immediately brought to the notice of the physician.
Recovery period for lynch syndrome or HNPCC will vary according to the stage of the disease and the treatment performed. It is possible to bring the disease into complete remission by acting early.
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