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Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: case reports and update on diagnosis and treatment
1Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. dongke1134@hotmail.com
Insights
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) often presents with a strong family cancer history and recurrent small intestinal polyps. Early detection and vigilant monitoring are crucial due to potential malignant transformations.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder.
- Characterized by hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract and mucocutaneous pigmentation.
- Associated with an increased risk of various cancers.
Observation:
- Six PJS cases reviewed for familial history, carcinogenesis, and polyp recurrence.
- Strong familial cancer history noted in multiple generations.
- Recurrent small intestinal polyps requiring surgical intervention observed in two patients.
Findings:
- Hamartomatous polyps showed adenomatous changes in some cases.
- Gastric cancer was associated with polyps in one patient.
- High incidence of polyp recurrence and familial cancer history are key features of PJS.
Implications:
- The hamartoma-adenoma-carcinoma sequence is implicated in PJS-associated malignancies.
- Close surveillance of gastrointestinal symptoms is essential.
- Monitoring of other organs susceptible to cancer is recommended for PJS patients.
Objective:
To analyze the etiology and diagnostic methods of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) and thus establish a treatment strategy.
Methods:
Clinical data from six patients with PJS were evaluated from the aspect of familial history, carcinogenesis and recurrence of polyps.
Results:
The fathers of four and the mother of one of the six patients had PJS. The grandfather of three of the six patients had PJS. There was a history of cancer in three of the five families. Case 4 underwent two laparotomies for intussusceptions caused by recurrent polyps of the small intestine. Case 5 also had recurrent small intestinal polyps and required a laparotomy after 1 year of initial treatment. Polyps in cases 1 and 4 showed adenomatous changes and those in case 2 were associated with gastric cancer.
Conclusions:
Patients with PJS have a strong family history of cancer and a high incidence of recurrence of small intestinal polyps. Malignant changes of polyps may follow the hamartoma-adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Careful follow-up is mandatory for gastrointestinal tract symptoms, and other solid organs that are susceptible to malignant change.
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