Lynch Syndrome Center

Contact the Lynch Syndrome Center

Lynch syndrome is a common and often under-diagnosed inherited condition that increases one's risk for a variety of cancers, including colon, rectal, uterine, ovarian, urinary tract, and other malignancies. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Lynch Syndrome Center is the largest and most comprehensive multidisciplinary cancer genetics group in the region that specializes in coordinating the care of people with Lynch syndrome.

The Center's mission is to provide personalized and comprehensive care for families with Lynch syndrome, supported by world-class research and state-of-the-art diagnostics. As part of Dana-Farber's Center for Cancer Genetics and Prevention, our specialists help manage the comprehensive care of individuals and families with Lynch syndrome by providing genetic testing for individuals at risk for Lynch syndrome, creating personalized screening plans aimed at preventing Lynch syndrome-related cancers, and coordinating care with experts in surgery, gastroenterology, dermatology, and oncology.

Why Choose Dana-Farber for Lynch Syndrome Care?

Scientific understanding of Lynch syndrome cancer risk and prevention strategies is continually evolving. The Center’s founder, Sapna Syngal, MD, MPH, and its Director, Matt Yurgelun, MD, have helped shape the national guidelines used to guide the management of Lynch syndrome. We ensure that our patients' personalized management plans are up to date with cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art national guidelines.

The Center sees our Lynch syndrome patients and families on a long-term basis. At clinical visits, our patients have the opportunity to review the results of their screening tests with their Lynch syndrome provider, plan and revise strategies for future cancer prevention and screening, explore opportunities to participate in Lynch syndrome-related research, and discuss any implications for other at-risk family members.

Patients and Families

The Lynch Syndrome Center specializes in caring for individuals with a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome (LS) or who have a family history of LS. We recommend our services to individuals who:

Have previously had genetic testing demonstrating a harmful inherited change (called a "mutation") in one of the Lynch syndrome genes: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, or EPCAM
Have a relative who carries a harmful inherited variant in one of the Lynch syndrome genes
Have a cancer diagnosis and/or a family history of cancer that is suggestive of Lynch syndrome
Have had testing of a prior tumor that was suggestive of Lynch syndrome
Have had negative or inconclusive genetic testing results, but are still concerned about Lynch syndrome
Are seeking information about Lynch syndrome

What Is Lynch Syndrome?

Learn the basics of Lynch syndrome, including what it is, common signs and symptoms, cancer risks, and when to consider genetic evaluation.

Learn More

Our Clinical Services

Diagnosis

Genetic counseling and testing are recommended for individuals who may be at risk for Lynch syndrome.

At your first visit in the Lynch Syndrome Center, you will typically meet with both a genetic counselor and a physician with expertise in Lynch Syndrome. During these visits, a comprehensive analysis of your own history and your family's history of cancer will be performed to help understand your own cancer risk and devise future cancer screening and prevention strategies.
If genetic testing is recommended, we will collect a blood or saliva sample from you and send it to a lab for analysis of the Lynch syndrome genes and possibly other cancer susceptibility genes. Prior to this testing, our genetic experts will review with you all questions and concerns regarding genetic testing to make sure this is the right approach for you. Once genetic testing results are available, we will discuss the results with you and work to devise the optimal cancer screening and prevention plan for you, as well as discuss potential implications for other individuals in your family.
If you are found to have Lynch syndrome, you will receive the option for ongoing follow-up from our care team, including regular cancer screenings such as colonoscopies. A wide range of other specialists, including gynecologists, oncologists, urologists, and psychologists are also available to talk with you and your family. We will refer you to other providers as needed.

Genetics Appointments at Satellites

For satellite booking, contact us and we will triage you to our satellite scheduler.

Please let our schedulers know if you or any of your family members live closer to one of our satellite genetics clinics listed below. We may be able to schedule your appointment there.

Maintaining Your Health

We offer comprehensive clinical care for our patients, acting as your advocate. Our experienced clinicians will collaborate with your primary care provider, gastroenterologist, gynecologist, and other health care providers to ensure that you are getting all the cancer screening procedures you need in a timely manner. Specialists involved in your care may include the following:

Gastroenterologists for colonoscopies and endoscopies
Gynecologists for uterine and ovarian cancer prevention
Dermatologists for skin evaluations
Urologists for urinary tract cancer screening and prevention
Medical oncologists and surgeons for Lynch syndrome patients with cancer

Our scheduling staff and Lynch syndrome nursing experts can help coordinate your multidisciplinary referrals and follow-up appointments, based on your personalized management plan.

Explore New Treatment Options

Dana-Farber offers access to clinical trials and research studies for Lynch Syndrome.

Explore Clinical Trials and Research

What to Expect From Your First Lynch Syndrome Center Visit

Matthew Yurgelun, MD, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist and Director of the Lynch Syndrome Center at Dana-Farber describes how the Center provides coordination of care and individual care plans for Lynch syndrome patients through a team of dedicated physicians, nurse practitioners, genetic counselors and other Lynch syndrome specialists.

In the News

Boston Hospital Opens Nation's First Lynch Syndrome Center (Clinical Oncology News)
Inside the groundbreaking research to find cancer before it spreads (TODAY)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who established the first lynch syndrome center?

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When was lynch syndrome discovered?

Where did lynch syndrome originate?