A 40-year-old with Lynch syndrome (MLH1 mutation) is diagnosed with a right-sided colon cancer. After curative resection, what is the most appropriate surveillance interval for colonoscopy?
- A Every 5 years
- B Every 1–2 years ✓
- C Every 3 years
- D Annual colonoscopy
Correct answer: B. Every 1–2 years
Explanation
Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer) carries a high lifetime risk of metachronous colorectal cancers. Post-resection surveillance guidelines recommend colonoscopy every 1–2 years in Lynch syndrome patients. This intensive schedule is justified by the accelerated adenoma-to-carcinoma progression (estimated 2–3 years in Lynch vs. 10 years in sporadic CRC) and the risk of new primary tumors elsewhere in the colon.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
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