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.