Lima Memorial Health System Logo
Approximate ER WAIT TIME
5

Health Library

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Site Map

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

PJS

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare disorder in which growths called polyps form in the intestines. A person with PJS has a high risk for developing certain cancers.

Images

Digestive system organs

I Would Like to Learn About:

Causes

It is unknown how many people are affected by PJS. However, the National Institutes of Health estimates that it affects about 1 in 25,000 to 300,000 births.

PJS is caused by a mutation in the gene called STK11 (previously known as LKB1). There are two ways that PJS can occur:

  • Familial PJS is inherited through families as an autosomal dominant trait. That means if one of your parents has this type of PJS, you have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene and having the disease.
  • Spontaneous PJS is not inherited from a parent. The gene mutation occurs on its own. Once someone carries the genetic change, their children have a 50% chance of inheriting it.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PJS are:

  • Brownish or bluish-gray spots on the lips, gums, inner lining of the mouth, and skin
  • Clubbed fingers or toes
  • Cramping pain in the belly area
  • Dark freckles on and around the lips of a child
  • Blood in the stool that can be seen with the naked eye (sometimes)
  • Vomiting

Exams and Tests

The polyps develop mainly in the small intestine, but also in the large intestine (colon). An exam of the colon called a colonoscopy will show colon polyps. The small intestine is evaluated in two ways. One is a barium x-ray (small bowel series). The other is a capsule endoscopy, in which a small camera is swallowed and then takes many pictures as it travels through the small intestine.

Additional exams may show:

  • Part of the intestine folded in on itself (intussusception)
  • Benign (noncancerous) tumors in the nose, airways, ureters, or bladder

Laboratory tests may include:

Treatment

Surgery may be needed to remove polyps that cause long-term problems. Iron supplements help counteract blood loss.

People with this condition should be monitored by a health care provider and checked regularly for cancerous polyp changes.

Support Groups

More information and support for people with PJS and their families can be found at:

Outlook (Prognosis)

There may be a high risk for these polyps becoming cancerous. Some studies link PJS with cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, lung, breast, uterus, and ovaries.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

  • Intussusception
  • Polyps that lead to cancer
  • Ovarian cysts
  • A type of ovarian tumors called sex cord tumors

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider for an appointment if you or your child has symptoms of this condition. Severe abdominal pain may be a sign of an emergency condition such as intussusception.

Prevention

Genetic counseling is recommended if you are planning to have children and have a family history of this condition.

Related Information

Colorectal polyps
Autosomal dominant
Ovarian cysts

References

Garber JJ, Chung DC. Colonic polyps and polyposis syndromes. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 126.

McGarrity TJ, Amos CI, Baker MJ. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. In: Adam MP, Ardinger HH, Pagon RA, et al, eds. GeneReviews. Seattle, WA: University of Washington. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1266. Updated September 2, 2021. Accessed January 25, 2022.

Wendel D, Murray KF. Tumors of the digestive tract. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 372.

BACK TO TOP

Review Date: 11/1/2021  

Reviewed By: Anna C. Edens Hurst, MD, MS, Associate Professor in Medical Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

ADAM Quality Logo

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2022 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.