American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is Lynch syndrome also known as?

1. Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer

2. Familial adenomatous polyposis

3. Hereditary colorectal polyposis

4. P53 mutation syndrome

The correct answer is: Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer

Lynch syndrome is primarily recognized as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). This syndrome is associated with a genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer as well as other types of cancer, including endometrial, ovarian, gastric, and others. The term "nonpolyposis" is significant because individuals with Lynch syndrome typically develop few or no polyps in the colon, which differentiates it from other hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes that involve numerous polyps, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Identifying Lynch syndrome as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer highlights its foundational role in colorectal cancer syndromes and emphasizes the importance of genetic counseling and screening for at-risk individuals and their families. Recognizing this term aids in appropriate risk assessment, surveillance strategies, and management of affected individuals and their relatives.