Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
An inherited condition in which numerous polyps form mainly in the epithelium of
the large intestine. These polyps are initially benign, but malignant transformation
into colon cancer occurs if they are not treated.
Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC)
An inherited condition associated with an increased risk of gastric (stomach)
cancer. Gastric cancers that occur in this syndrome infiltrate the stomach wall
causing diffuse thickening (linitis plastica) without forming a discrete mass. The
average age of onset of gastric cancer in HDGC is 38, with individuals as young as
14 having been diagnosed.
Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)
This is characterised by a risk of colorectal cancer and cancers of many other
tissues including the endometrium, ovary, stomach, small intestine, hepatobiliary
tract, upper urinary tract, brain and skin. The increased risk of these cancers is
caused by inherited mutations that impair deoxyribonucleic acid mismatch repair.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)
This condition encompasses several distinct syndromes featuring tumours of
endocrine glands, each with its own characteristic pattern. The tumours can be
malignant or benign.