Cowden syndrome
What is Cowden syndrome?
Cowden syndrome is a disorder characterized by multiple noncancerous, tumor-like growths called hamartomas and an increased risk of developing certain cancers.
Almost everyone with Cowden syndrome develops hamartomas. These growths are most commonly found on the skin and mucous membranes (such as the lining of the mouth and nose), but they can also occur in the intestine and other parts of the body. The growth of hamartomas on the skin and mucous membranes typically becomes apparent by a person's late twenties.
Cowden syndrome is associated with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, particularly cancers of the breast, a gland in the lower neck called the thyroid, and the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). Other cancers that have been identified in people with Cowden syndrome include colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, and a form of skin cancer called melanoma. Compared with the general population, people with Cowden syndrome develop these cancers at younger ages, often beginning in their thirties or forties. Other diseases of the breast, thyroid, and endometrium are also common in Cowden syndrome. Additional signs and symptoms can include an enlarged head (macrocephaly) and a rare, noncancerous brain tumor called Lhermitte-Duclos disease. A small percentage of affected individuals have delayed development or intellectual disability.
The features of Cowden syndrome overlap with those of another disorder called Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome. People with Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome also develop hamartomas and other noncancerous tumors. Both conditions can be caused by mutations in the PTEN gene. Some people with Cowden syndrome have had relatives diagnosed with Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, and other individuals have had the characteristic features of both conditions. Based on these similarities, researchers have proposed that Cowden syndrome and Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome represent a spectrum of overlapping features known as PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome instead of two distinct conditions.
Some people have some of the characteristic features of Cowden syndrome, particularly the cancers associated with this condition, but do not meet the strict criteria for a diagnosis of Cowden syndrome. These individuals are often described as having Cowden-like syndrome.
Read more about Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome.
How common is Cowden syndrome?
Although the exact prevalence of Cowden syndrome is unknown, researchers estimate that it affects about 1 in 200,000 people.
What genes are related to Cowden syndrome?
Changes involving at least four genes, PTEN, SDHB, SDHD, and KLLN, have been identified in people with Cowden syndrome or Cowden-like syndrome.
Most cases of Cowden syndrome and a small percentage of cases of Cowden-like syndrome result from mutations in the PTEN gene. The protein produced from the PTEN gene is a tumor suppressor, which means that it normally prevents cells from growing and dividing (proliferating) too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way. Mutations in the PTEN gene prevent the protein from regulating cell proliferation effectively, leading to uncontrolled cell division and the formation of hamartomas and cancerous tumors. The PTEN gene likely has other important functions within cells; however, it is unclear how mutations in this gene cause the other features of Cowden syndrome, such as macrocephaly and intellectual disability.
Other cases of Cowden syndrome and Cowden-like syndrome result from changes involving theKLLN gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein called killin. Like the protein produced from the PTEN gene, killin probably acts as a tumor suppressor. The genetic change that causes Cowden syndrome and Cowden-like syndrome is known as promoter hypermethylation. The promoter is a region of DNA near the gene that controls gene activity (expression). Hypermethylation occurs when too many small molecules called methyl groups are attached to the promoter region. The extra methyl groups reduce the expression of the KLLN gene, which means that less killin is produced. A reduced amount of killin may allow abnormal cells to survive and proliferate inappropriately, which can lead to the formation of tumors.
A small percentage of people with Cowden syndrome or Cowden-like syndrome have variations in the SDHB or SDHD gene. These genes provide instructions for making parts of an enzyme called succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), which is important for energy production in the cell. This enzyme also plays a role in signaling pathways that regulate cell survival and proliferation. Variations in theSDHB or SDHD gene alter the function of the SDH enzyme. Studies suggest that the defective enzyme may allow cells to grow and divide unchecked, leading to the formation of hamartomas and cancerous tumors. However, researchers are uncertain whether the identified SDHB and SDHD gene variants are directly associated with Cowden syndrome and Cowden-like syndrome. Some of the variants described above have also been identified in people without the features of these conditions.
When Cowden syndrome and Cowden-like syndrome are not related to changes in the PTEN, SDHB,SDHD, or KLLN genes, the cause of the conditions is unknown.
How do people inherit Cowden syndrome?
Cowden syndrome and Cowden-like syndrome are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the condition and increase the risk of developing cancer. In some cases, an affected person inherits the mutation from one affected parent. Other cases may result from new mutations in the gene. These cases occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family.
Where can I find information about diagnosis or management of Cowden syndrome?
These resources address the diagnosis or management of Cowden syndrome and may include treatment providers.
- Gene Review: PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome
(PHTS) - Genetic Testing Registry: Cowden
syndrome - Genetic Testing Registry: Cowden syndrome
1 - Genetic Testing Registry: Cowden syndrome
2 - National Cancer Institute: Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer
Syndromes - University of Iowa: Are Tests for Cowden Syndrome
Available? - University of Iowa: How is Cowden Syndrome
Diagnosed? - University of Iowa: What Should I Be Doing About This
Condition?
You might also find information on the diagnosis or management of Cowden syndrome inEducational resources and Patient support.
General information about the diagnosis and management of genetic conditions is available in the Handbook. Read more about genetic testing, particularly the difference between clinical tests and research tests.
To locate a healthcare provider, see How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.
Where can I find additional information about Cowden syndrome?
You may find the following resources about Cowden syndrome helpful. These materials are written for the general public.
- MedlinePlus - Health information (6 links)
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information
Center - Information about genetic conditions and rare diseases - Educational resources - Information pages (8 links)
- Patient support - For patients and families (3 links)
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for healthcare professionals and researchers.
- Gene
Reviews - Clinical summary - Genetic Testing Registry - Repository of genetic test information (3 links)
ClinicalTrials.gov - Linking patients to medical researchPubMed - Recent literature- OMIM - Genetic disorder catalog (2 links)
What other names do people use for Cowden syndrome?
- CD
- Cowden disease
- Cowden's disease
- Cowden's syndrome
- CS
- MHAM
- multiple hamartoma syndrome
For more information about naming genetic conditions, see the Genetics Home Reference Condition Naming Guidelines and How are genetic conditions and genes named? in the Handbook.
What if I still have specific questions about Cowden syndrome?
Where can I find general information about genetic conditions?
The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.
- What does it mean if a disorder seems to run in my family?
- What are the different ways in which a genetic condition can be inherited?
- If a genetic disorder runs in my family, what are the chances that my children will have the condition?
- Why are some genetic conditions more common in particular ethnic groups?
These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.
What glossary definitions help with understanding Cowden syndrome?
autosomal ; autosomal dominant ; cancer ; cell ; cell division ; cell proliferation ; colorectal ;dehydrogenase ; diagnosis ; disability ; DNA ; endometrium ; enzyme ; gene ; goiter ; hamartoma ;hyperplasia ; inherited ; intestine ; kidney ; macrocephaly ; melanoma ; methyl ; mucous ; mutation ;population ; prevalence ; proliferate ; proliferating ; proliferation ; promoter ; promoter region ;protein ; spectrum ; syndrome ; thyroid ; tumor
You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary.
See also Understanding Medical Terminology.
References (15 links)
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook
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