Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome and Cancer

Головна / English textbooks / Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome and Cancer

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a uncommon, inherited situation. It is handed to a baby from a father or mother. PJS is an autosomal dominant genetic dysfunction. This implies you solely want 1 copy of the altered (mutated) gene to have PJS.

About 3 out of each 4 folks identified with PJS have a household historical past of the dysfunction. One out of 4 folks haven’t any household historical past. On this case, the gene mutation might have occurred by itself. That is known as a spontaneous mutation.

Genetic counseling with genetic testing might be finished to diagnose PJS.

What’s Peutz-Jeghers syndrome?

PJS signs typically begin early in childhood (earlier than age 10). These can embody:

  • Darkish blue or brown moles round or within the mouth (together with the lips) and across the eyes, nostrils, and anus. There could also be darkish moles on the arms and toes. These have a tendency to indicate up throughout childhood and fade with age.

  • Growths within the lining of the gastrointestinal tract known as hamartomatous polyps. These begin in childhood. They trigger ache, vomiting, bleeding, diarrhea, and blockages.

  • Polyps in different elements of the physique, just like the nostril, lungs, and bladder

Individuals with PJS are at increased danger of tumors that are not most cancers (benign) within the ovaries and testes. They’re additionally at very excessive danger for sure sorts of most cancers. These cancers begin at youthful than typical ages, such because the 40s.

How does Peutz-Jeghers syndrome result in most cancers?

Usually, PJS is brought on by adjustments (mutations) within the STK11 gene. The STK11 gene is a tumor suppressor gene. This implies it controls cell progress and cell dying.

Greater than 1 of the growth-control genes have to mutate earlier than most cancers can begin. However the lack of STK11 is step one within the course of. What causes the opposite mutations is unknown.

Some individuals who have inherited a STK11 mutation by no means get most cancers. It’s because they by no means get the second mutation that stops management of cell progress and begins the method of tumor progress. This will make most cancers seem to skip generations in a household. However the gene mutation continues to be current. All folks with PJS have a 1 in 2 probability of passing the mutation on to every of their kids. That is true whether or not or not they (the father or mother) develop most cancers.

It is also vital to do not forget that the STK11 gene just isn’t positioned on the intercourse chromosomes. This implies the mutation comes from both the mom’s facet or the daddy’s facet of the household.

What sorts of most cancers are linked to Peutz-Jeghers syndrome?

Nearly all folks with PJS will probably be identified with 1 or extra of these kind of most cancers throughout their lifetime:

  • Abdomen

  • Small gut

  • Ovarian

  • Breast

  • Colon and rectum

  • Pancreas

  • Cervix

  • Lungs

Most cancers screening when you’ve gotten Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Genetic testing can affirm when you’ve got PJS. Individuals with PJS can take steps to assist scale back most cancers danger. For example, they can not use tobacco and should steer clear of tobacco smoke. They will additionally begin most cancers screening at a younger age. Screening exams are used to search for most cancers earlier than it causes signs.

It is essential that anybody with PJS talks with a healthcare supplier about most cancers screening . Listed below are a number of the exams that is perhaps used:

  • Higher endoscopy. Beginning at age 8, a baby with PJS ought to have this take a look at repeatedly. It is used to search for polyps, tumors, and different issues within the esophagus.

  • Colonoscopy. A baby with PJS ought to have this take a look at finished at age 8. If polyps are discovered, it needs to be repeated each 2 to three years. This checks for adjustments that might turn out to be most cancers over time.

  • MRI. These scans might be finished to look at for pancreatic most cancers. This needs to be finished beginning at about age 30. If somebody within the household has had pancreatic most cancers, it needs to be began at 10 years youthful than the age that member of the family was once they had been identified.

  • Mammogram. These exams needs to be began at age 20. They need to be finished each 2 to three years till age 40. After age 40, a mammogram needs to be finished yearly.

  • Yearly scientific breast examination. A healthcare supplier ought to study the breasts yearly. Girls may additionally wish to speak with a supplier about breast self-exams.

  • Yearly pelvic examination. These needs to be finished with a Pap take a look at and ultrasound for ladies with PJS, beginning at age 25.

  • Yearly testicular examination. These needs to be finished for males with PJS, beginning in childhood.

The most effective screening plan varies for every particular person. Discuss along with your healthcare supplier and genetic counselor to determine the perfect plan for you.