Which organs are at increased risk in patients with HNPCC besides the colon?

The correct answer highlights the organs at increased risk for malignancies in individuals with Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome. Aside from the colon, where there is a well-established risk of colorectal cancer, other organs significantly impacted include the stomach, small bowel, urinary tract, ovaries, pancreas, and brain.

Individuals with HNPCC are predisposed to a range of cancers due to inherited defects in the mismatch repair (MMR) genes, which are critical for correcting DNA replication errors. Specifically, there is a heightened risk for endometrial cancer, particularly in women, and cancers of the urinary tract. Additionally, the association with gastric and pancreatic cancers has been noted, further defining the scope of increased cancer risks linked to this genetic condition.

While other options list different organs, they do not encompass the well-documented increased risks associated with HNPCC as effectively as the chosen answer. This underscores the importance of surveillance and management strategies for these patients, ensuring that they are monitored for signs of various malignancies beyond colorectal cancer.