Get notified of page updates

Other Considerations

Read about different genes that are linked to hereditary cancer, their associated risks and guidelines for screening, preventing and treating cancers in people with inherited mutations in these genes.

Stay up to date on research and information

Sign Up for FORCE Newsletters
Glossary on
off

Other Medical Considerations for People with Inherited Mutations

Inherited mutations in  cause  Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome (PHTS). There are two conditions that can be associated with PHTS:

  • Cowden syndrome:
    Some mutations in cause . In addition to an increased risk for cancer, is also associated with noncancerous growths. Almost everyone with will develop multiple, noncancerous tumor-like growths called hamartomas. These growths are most often found on the skin and the lining of the mouth, nose, intestinal tract and other mucous membranes. Not all people with Cowden will test positive for a mutation. 
  • Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome: 
    People with Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome have large heads (macrocephaly), hamartomas and other noncancerous growths, and may have developmental delays. People with Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome may also have an increased risk of developing certain cancers, although researchers are still working to understand these cancer risks.

Because of the high lifetime risk and early onset of medical issues with mutations, people of reproductive age may wish to speak with a fertility expert prior to having children. There are options using assisted reproduction technology and preimplantation genetic diagnosis for parents to select embryos that are free of an inherited  mutation. 

Last updated March 17, 2022