
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Amsterdam criteria
Introduction
The Amsterdam criteria identify families likely to have Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
At least 3 relatives with a HNPCC-associated cancer: colorectal cancer, or cancer of the endometrium, small intestine, ureter or renal pelvis.
- One patient should be a first degree relative of the other two
- At least two successive generations should be affected
- At least one tumour should be diagnosed <50 years of age
- Familial adenomatous polyposis should be excluded in the colorectal cancer case (if any)
- Tumours should be verified by histopathologic examination
