title: Hamartomatous polyposis syndromes: a review.
abstract: Hamartomatous Polyposis Syndromes (HPS) are genetic syndromes, which include Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Juvenile polyposis syndrome, PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome (Cowden Syndrom, Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba and Proteus Syndrome) as well as hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome. Other syndromes such as Gorlin Syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome 2B are sometimes referred to as HPS. HPS is characterized by the development of hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract as well as several extra-intestinal findings such as dermatological and dysmorphic features or extra-intestinal cancer. The syndromes are rare and inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.The diagnosis of HPS has traditionally been based on clinical criteria, but can sometimes be difficult as the severity of symptoms range considerably from only a few symptoms to very severe cases - even within the same family. De novo cases are also frequent. However, because of the discovery of several associated germline-mutations as well as the rapid development in genetics it is now possible to use genetic testing more often in the diagnostic process. Management of the syndromes is different for each syndrome as extra-intestinal symptoms and types of cancers differs.Clinical awareness and early diagnosis of HPS is important, as affected patients and at-risk family members should be offered genetic counselling and surveillance. Surveillance in children with HPS might prevent or detect intestinal or extra-intestinal complications, whereas in adulthood surveillance is recommended due to an increased risk of cancer e.g. intestinal cancer or breast cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Sdr, Boulevard 29, 5000 Odense C, Denmark. anne.marie.jelsig@rsyd.dk.
authors.forename: Anne Marie
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Jelsig
authors.forename: Niels
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Qvist
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Brusgaard
authors.forename: Claus Buhl
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: Tine Plato
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Lilian Bomme
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Ousager
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010580:Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology