Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome Overview
Learn About Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare disorder in which growths called polyps form in the intestines. A person with PJS has a high risk for developing certain cancers.
PJS
It is unknown how many people are affected by PJS. However, the National Institutes of Health estimates that it affects about 1 in 50,000 to 200,000 people.
PJS is caused by a mutation in the gene called STK11 (previously known as LKB1). There are two ways that PJS can occur:
- Familial PJS is inherited in families as an autosomal dominant trait. That means if one of your parents has this type of PJS, you have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene and having the disease.
- Spontaneous PJS is not inherited from a parent. The gene mutation occurs on its own. Once someone carries the genetic change, their children have a 50% chance of inheriting it.
Symptoms of PJS are:
- Brownish or bluish-gray spots on the lips, gums, inner lining of the mouth, and skin
- Clubbed fingers or toes
- Cramping pain in the belly area
- Dark freckles on and around the lips of a child
- Blood in the stool that can be seen with the naked eye (sometimes)
- Vomiting
Surgery may be needed to remove polyps that cause long-term problems. Iron supplements help counteract blood loss.
People with this condition should be monitored by a health care provider and checked regularly for cancerous polyp changes.
Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek
Monique Van Leerdam practices in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Ms. Van Leerdam is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, Colorectal Cancer, Lynch Syndrome, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy.
Susanne Korsse practices in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Ms. Korsse is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome and Melasma.
Ernst Kuipers practices in London, United Kingdom. Mr. Kuipers is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, Colorectal Cancer, Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy.
More information and support for people with PJS and their families can be found at:
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) -- rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/peutz-jeghers-syndrome
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) -- rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7378/peutz-jeghers-syndrome
There may be a high risk for these polyps becoming cancerous. Some studies link PJS with cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, lung, breast, uterus, and ovaries.
Complications may include:
- Intussusception
- Polyps that lead to cancer
- Ovarian cysts
- A type of ovarian tumors called sex cord tumors
Contact your provider for an appointment if you or your child has symptoms of this condition. Severe abdominal pain may be a sign of an emergency condition such as intussusception.
Genetic counseling is recommended if you are planning to have children and have a family history of this condition.
Summary: Johns Hopkins clinical research office quality assurance group will monitor and audit this study at Johns Hopkins. The Sub Investigator at each site will be responsible for internal monitoring at their site.
Summary: The Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentations, multiple gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyps, and an elevated risk of developing malignancies. Patients with PJS often experience recurrent gastrointestinal polyps that gradually increase in number and size, requiring repeated treatments. As the disease progresses, most patients a...
Published Date: December 31, 2023
Published By: Anna C. Edens Hurst, MD, MS, Associate Professor in Medical Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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