Cowden syndrome

Last reviewed 01/2018

Cowden Syndrome (CS) is a rare condition that is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and is associated with germline mutations in the tumor suppressor gene phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)

• incidence is estimated to be one in 250 000-1 000 000
  
  
• clinical features of CS include macrocephaly; benign breast, thyroid and endometrial manifestations; and characteristic mucocutaneous lesions
  
  
• CS patients have an increased risk of developing malignant lesions in many organs, especially cancer of the breast, thyroid and genitourinary system
  • lifetime cancer risk in CS patients and in individuals with germline PTEN mutations was reported to be up to 85% for breast cancer, up to 35% for thyroid cancer and up to 28% for endometrial cancer

Reference:

• Gammon A, Jasperson K, Kohlmann W, Burt RW. Hamartomatous polyposis syndromes. Best Pract. Res. Clin. Gastroenterol. 2009; 23: 219-23
• Riegert-Johnson DL, Gleeson FC, Roberts M et al. Cancer and Lhermitte-Duclos disease are common in Cowden syndrome patients. Hered. Cancer Clin. Pract. 2010; 8: 6.