CONDITION REFERENCE
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Information from MedlinePlus Genetics about this condition and how it can be inherited.
About this condition
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is characterized by the development of noncancerous growths called hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract (particularly the stomach and intestines) and a greatly increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Children with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome often develop small, dark-colored spots on the lips, around and inside the mouth, near the eyes and nostrils, and around the anus. These spots may also occur on the hands and feet. They appear during childhood and often fade as the person gets older. In addition, most people with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome develop multiple polyps in the stomach and intestines during childhood or adolescence. Polyps can cause health problems such as recurrent bowel obstructions, chronic bleeding, and abdominal pain.
People with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome have a high risk of developing cancer during their lifetimes. Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, cervix, ovary, and breast are among the most commonly reported tumors.
Inheritance
- Autosomal dominant
A condition can have several forms with different inheritance patterns. Each pattern may apply to a different gene or form of the condition.
Related genes
MedlinePlus lists these genes for this condition. Open a gene page to read any available ClinGen reviews and ClinVar records.
YOUR DNA FILE
What can your DNA file tell you?
Your DNA file only includes the positions your test checked and reported. Consumer DNA kits usually test selected positions. Sequencing files can also leave out positions that were not reported or where the test could not give a result.
A variant missing from your file does not mean you tested negative for it. A ClinVar classification applies to a particular variant and the condition or finding it was reported for. It does not apply to everyone with that gene. An uncertain finding cannot establish a diagnosis.
BioDecode reads supported DNA files on your computer. It cannot fill gaps in your test, diagnose a condition or replace clinical testing.
Sources and dates
The source information on this page last changed on 2026-09-18.
MedlinePlus Source details
Source release: Fri, 18 Sep 2026 05:17:13 GMT
Source publication: 2020-08-18
Source review: 2006-04
SHA-256: fdc8bd614310c12718379cef6569962e5d0e791cecabcc355b53a72816ac263a
About the library sources · Latest validated release · Record f0afbc056b9a