Stephen J. Schueler, M.D.

Overview Incidence Symptoms Underlying Cause Anatomy Genetics

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome Overview

What is Peutz-Jeghers syndrome?
A person with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome has a genetic disease that causes intestinal polyps to form in the stomach, small intestine and colon. The polyps are called hamartomas, which can become cancerous.

What are the symptoms of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome?
Symptoms of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome include small, dark spots on skin around the lips, around and inside the mouth, near the eyes and nostrils, and around the anus. The dark spots may also occur on the hands and feet. The skin lesions appear during childhood, but they usually fade as a person ages.

How does the doctor treat Peutz-Jeghers syndrome?
There is no cure for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Treatment may include surgical removal of polyps, in order to prevent colon cancer.

Continue to Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome Incidence

Last Updated: May 4, 2010 References

PubMed Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome References
  1. Brosens LA, van Hattem WA, Jansen M, de Leng WW, Giardiello FM, Offerhaus GJ. Gastrointestinal polyposis syndromes. Curr Mol Med. 2007 Feb;7(1):29-46. [17311531]