HNPCC
Medical abbreviation · Gastroenterology
| Stands for | Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
HNPCC stands for Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, a gastroenterology abbreviation.
Older name for Lynch syndrome, the most common inherited colorectal cancer syndrome, caused by mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2) or EPCAM. Carriers face high lifetime risks of colorectal and endometrial cancer and are offered colonoscopy every one to two years from early adulthood.
Example: Tumor shows loss of MSH2 staining; genetics referral for possible HNPCC.
Usage notes
"Nonpolyposis" distinguished it from FAP but misled clinicians, because Lynch cancers still arise from polyps; most guidelines now prefer "Lynch syndrome", after Henry Lynch, who described affected families in the 1960s. Universal mismatch-repair or microsatellite-instability testing of colorectal and endometrial tumors is now standard. The Amsterdam criteria were once used for clinical diagnosis.
Related abbreviations
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- IBS-D – Irritable bowel syndrome with predominant diarrhea
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.