Screening for Lynch syndrome: what IHC testing tells the care team

Lynch syndrome is a hereditary condition: it runs in families. People living with Lynch syndrome have a 60 to 80 percent chance of developing colon cancer during their lifetime, some of them before age 45. Women who have the disorder also have a high lifetime risk of endometrial cancer.

SaraPath Diagnostics® screens for Lynch syndrome with immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing, performed on the tissue already collected for diagnosis. Screening is available for malignant endometrial and colon cases.

When to consider Lynch syndrome testing

• Colon cancer occurring at a younger age, usually before age 45
• A family history of colon cancer in young adults
• A family history of endometrial cancer
• A family history of other related cancers: liver, kidney, ovarian, small intestine, stomach and other cancers

There are two screening tests for Lynch syndrome: microsatellite instability (MSI) testing and IHC testing. Either or both are generally recommended before gene testing.

Ordering information and the referral form are on the Lynch Syndrome page.