Muir-Torre syndrome

    Muir-Torre Syndrome (MTS) is a subtype of Lynch syndrome. It is an inherited condition that increases a person’s lifetime risk for developing rare types of skin, colorectal, and genitourinary tract cancers.

    The facts

    • Muir-Torre Syndrome (MTS) is an inherited disorder sometimes found in people with colorectal cancer.
    • As with Lynch syndrome, MTS is caused by an inherited harmful change (mutation) in one of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes.
    • The mutation is passed from one generation to the next, and in a family with a parent who has an inherited change in their DNA, each child has 50% of being diagnosed with MTS.

    • The MLH1 and MSH2 genes are most commonly mutated in MTS patients.

      More about mutations

    female researcher using microscope

    Skin cancer and MTS

    The presence of specific types of skin or internal cancers are the primary symptoms of MTS.

    Skin Cancers

    • Sebaceous adenoma is the most frequent symptom in people with MTS (80-99%).
    • Sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid is an aggressive cancer that spreads to the eye orbit and can be fatal.
    • Additional skin cancers include sebaceous epitheliomas and keratoacanthomas.
    young person caring for an older individual

    Internal cancers

    • 30-79% of MTS patients have colon cancer or stomach cancer.
    • 5-29% of MTS patients have endometrial (uterine) or breast cancer.
    • About 60% of people with MTS develop metastatic disease.
    cell under microscope

    Diagnosis and risks

    Since MTS is a subtype of Lynch syndrome, the diagnosis, risk factors, and treatment of this disorder is very similar.

    Top resources

    View all resources
    U.S. Representative Terri Sewell of Alabama

    Alliance supports legislation for multi-cancer early detection

    Learn how the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is advocating for the passage of the Nancy Gardner Sewell Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act (HR 2407), a bipartisan bill that ensures immediate Medicare coverage for life-saving cancer detection tests once approved by the FDA.

    Last updated
    The city of Philadelphia

    Alliance adds partners to expand 45+ Reasons campaign

    The Alliance’s 45+ Reasons campaign is part of the Cycles of Impact initiative launched and supported by Independence Blue Cross in 2022 to address the urgent public health issue of colorectal cancer among the Black population.

    Last updated