Can Lynch Syndrome cause cancer in my bladder or kidney?
Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that raises the risk for several types of cancer, most notably colorectal cancer. But the same gene defects that cause Lynch syndrome can also increase the risk for cancers in the urinary tract, including the bladder and kidneys. Research shows that people with Lynch syndrome have a higher chance of developing these cancers compared to the general population, and the risk varies depending on which gene is affected.
What the research says
A large study of Finnish Lynch syndrome carriers found that out of 974 people, 30 had a total of 34 urological tumors: 12 in the ureter, 12 in the bladder, and 10 in the kidney 4. The average age at diagnosis was 57 for bladder cancer, 58 for ureter cancer, and 64 for kidney cancer 4. This study also showed that the risk of uroepithelial cancers (bladder and ureter) was significantly higher in people with MSH2 mutations (6%) compared to those with MLH1 mutations (2%) or MSH6 mutations (0%) 4. Another large study of over 52,000 people tested for Lynch syndrome found that carriers were more likely to have had urinary tract cancer (4.1%) compared to non-carriers (1.2%) 5. That study identified several factors that increased the risk: being male, older age, having a family history of urinary tract cancer, and having a mutation in the MSH2 gene 5. A meta-analysis of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (cancer of the renal pelvis or ureter) found that about 3.2% of these patients had a Lynch syndrome gene mutation, with MSH2 being the most common 2. Together, these studies confirm that Lynch syndrome does increase the risk for bladder and kidney cancers, and the risk is highest for those with MSH2 mutations.
What to ask your doctor
- Given my specific Lynch syndrome gene mutation (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2), what is my personal risk for bladder or kidney cancer?
- Should I have any regular screening tests for urinary tract cancers, such as urine tests or imaging?
- Are there any symptoms I should watch for that could indicate bladder or kidney cancer?
- Does my family history of urinary tract cancers affect my risk, and should my relatives be tested or screened?
- What steps can I take to reduce my risk of urinary tract cancers?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Hematology and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.