General information for people with inherited PTEN mutations
Both men and women can carry a mutation in the PTEN gene.
People with an inherited mutation in PTEN have a very high lifetime risk for different types of cancers, as outlined in the Cancer Risk section. There are guidelines for screening and prevention for certain cancers in people with a PTEN mutation. There may also be clinical trials available. See our Risk Management section for more information about screening options in people with an inherited PTEN mutation.
People with an inherited PTEN mutation who have been diagnosed with cancer may qualify for specific treatment or clinical trials. Visit the Cancer Treatment section for more information.
Some mutations in PTEN cause Cowden syndrome or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome. Together these syndromes are known as PTEN Hamartoma Tumor syndrome (PHTS). See our Other Considerations section for more information about these disorders.
The name PTEN stands for "Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog." The gene is located on chromosome 10. PTEN helps control cell division.
If you are a person with an inherited PTEN mutation, you can find peer support through the following resources:
- Register for the FORCE Message Boards to connect with others who share your situation. Once you register, you can post on the Share Your Mutation board to connect with other people who carry a PTEN mutation.
- FORCE's Peer Navigation Program will match you with a volunteer who shares your mutation and situation and provide you with a free resource guide.
- Contact the FORCE impact leaders in your area to link to local support groups and other resources.
- Attend a virtual support meeting in your area.
- Read the stories from members of our community.
Support through other organizations:
- The PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome Foundation has resources for people affected by an inherited PTEN mutation.
- FORCE's eXaming the Relevance of Articles for You (XRAY) program looks behind the headlines of cancer news to help you understand what the research means for you.
- Genetics Home Reference is a site from the U.S. Library of Medicine that provides consumer-friendly information about the effects of an PTEN mutation on human health.