Cancer Health Center
PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome
Important
It is possible that the main title of the report PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.
Synonyms
- PHTS
Disorder Subdivisions
- Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba Syndrome
- Cowden Disease
- Cowden Syndrome
- Multiple Hamartoma Syndrome
- Proteus Syndrome
- Proteus-like Syndrome
General Discussion
The PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) is a spectrum of disorders caused by mutations of the PTEN gene. These disorders are characterized by multiple hamartomas that can affect various areas of the body. Hamartoma is a general term for benign tumor-like malformations that can affect any area of the body. Hamartomas are composed of mature cells and tissue normally found in the affected area.
PHTS includes virtually all cases of Cowden syndrome (also known as multiple hamartoma syndrome) and a percentage of cases of Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, Proteus syndrome and Proteus-like syndrome (i.e., those associated with mutations of the PTEN gene). For more information on Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome and Proteus syndrome, see NORD's individual reports on these disorders in the Rare Disease Database.
Cowden syndrome is a difficult to recognize, under-diagnosed genetic disorder characterized by the development of multiple, benign tumor-like malformations (hamartomas) in various areas of the body. Affected individuals also have a predisposition to developing certain cancers, especially cancer of the breast, thyroid or mucous membrane lining the uterus (endometrium). The specific symptoms of Cowden syndrome vary from case to case.
Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome is characterized by an abnormally large head (macrocephaly), the development of multiple benign growths (hamartomatous polyps) in the intestines (intestinal polyposis), benign tumors just below the skin consisting of fatty tissue (lipomas), and excessive growth before and after birth. Symptoms vary from case to case.
Proteus syndrome is a rare, complex growth disorder characterized by disproportionate overgrowth of various parts of the body. Tissue of the bone, skin, central nervous system and eye and connective tissue are most often affected. The specific symptoms vary greatly from case to case.
The term Proteus-like syndrome is used to describe individuals with significant features of Proteus syndrome, but who fail to meet the specific diagnostic criteria for the disorder, for Cowden syndrome and for Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome. Germline PTEN mutations have been identified in approximately 50 percent of these cases.
PHTS is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The symptoms vary greatly from case to case even among individuals in the same family. In fact, some families have members with Cowden syndrome and others with Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome. In some cases, the symptoms of the two disorders may occur in the same individual, which is referred to as the Cowden/Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba overlap syndrome. The likelihood of finding a germline PTEN mutation in overlap families is very high (>95%).
Resources
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
Tel: (914)428-7100
Fax: (914)997-4763
Tel: (888)663-4637
Email: Askus@marchofdimes.com
Internet: http://www.marchofdimes.com
American Cancer Society, Inc.
1599 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
USA
Tel: (404)320-3333
Tel: (800)227-2345
Internet: http://www.cancer.org
National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations
9 East 37th Street
10th Floor
New York, NY 10016
USA
Tel: (212)889-0606
Fax: (212)689-1213
Tel: (888)806-2226
Email: nabcoinfo@aol.com
Internet: http://www.nabco.org
National Cancer Institute
6116 Executive Blvd, MSC 8322, Room 3036A
Bethesda, MD 20892-8322
USA
Tel: (301)435-3848
Tel: (800)422-6237
TDD: (800)332-8615
Internet: http://www.cancer.gov
For a Complete Report:
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 4/30/2007
Copyright 2007 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders
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