Written and medically reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD, General SurgeryLast updated:
CDH1 (Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer)
E-cadherin, risk-reducing gastrectomy, and family planning
Pathogenic CDH1 germline variants raise hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) risk and, in some families, lobular breast cancer risk. The gastric-cancer hub complements this page; decisions are not locked as “automatic surgery” without counseling.
Educational schematic. Some structures may be simplified or emphasized for clarity; not an exact anatomical depiction.
© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use
Figure summary
This educational figure shows: CDH1.
Key points
Who is offered evaluation?
Multiple diffuse gastric cancers in a family, young-onset diffuse gastric cancer, CDH1-compatible lobular breast history, or a known family mutation are common triggers.
- Key note inside
Surveillance vs surgery
Endoscopic surveillance has limits in diffuse disease. Risk-reducing total gastrectomy is individualized — not a single forced date for every carrier.
Breast risk and relatives
Lobular breast risk may need intensified screening plans. Cascade testing for relatives runs through genetic counseling.
- Key note inside
Important
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.
Frequently asked questions
Does endoscopy reliably catch early diffuse disease?
Not always. That limitation is why risk-reducing total gastrectomy is discussed for some carriers.
Is there one mandatory surgery date?
No. Timing depends on age, counseling, and shared decision-making.
More chapters in this hub
Hereditary Cancer Overview
When hereditary risk is considered and how sequencing works
Lynch Syndrome
MMR/MSI, colorectal risk, and family screening
BRCA and Familial Breast Risk
Who is offered testing; surgery and surveillance frame
FAP
Polyposis, APC, and surgical timing
MUTYH and Serrated Polyposis
MAP, serrated pathway, and surveillance intervals
Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
TP53 and multi-cancer spectrum
Peutz–Jeghers Syndrome
Hamartomatous polyps and surveillance
Genetic Counseling
Consent, results, and talking with relatives
Molecular Testing in Cancer
Organ-specific biomarkers that often open this conversation
Appointment / info
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.
Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · Last medically reviewed: August 2026 · English patient-education chapter.