Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes and the role of the surgical oncologist.

The expanding understanding of the genetic basis to hereditary colon cancer syndromes is dismantling previously conceived categorizations and shedding light on why those schemes often failed in past. This review highlights evolving concepts regarding the genetic diagnosis and clinical management of the more commonly inherited colorectal cancer syndromes, including a discussion of recently described familial syndromes. This review also addresses clinician responsibilities in recognition of familial syndromes and provision of counseling.