It's a rare genetic condition resulting in possible health problems.
The condition was first described in the 1950s. It is considered autosomal dominant (single dominant gene causes it, and that gene inherited from either parent). But some cases have been recorded of it arising as a result of spontaneous mutation (where neither parent had it but their child does).
The condition involves polyp growth in the digestive tract. The polyps interfere with digestion to a small extent, but their main impact is that they tend to bleed, putting the person at risk of chronic anaemia.
In extreme cases a sufferer may need a blood transfusion to prevent imminent organ damage due to the anaemia. In most cases, the person with Peutz-Jaeger can live a long and normal life by taking low-dose iron supplements to make up for the small and chronic blood loss.
Evidence is mixed about whether the polyps caused by Peutz-Jaeger Syndrome (PJS) are likely to turn cancerous. Monitoring of the polyps using keyhole surgery techniques is recommended for people with PJS, just in case.
People with Peutz-Jaeger tend to have a distinctive external characteristic: Freckles on the lips and even on the palms of the hands.
The condition was first described in the 1950s. It is considered autosomal dominant (single dominant gene causes it, and that gene inherited from either parent). But some cases have been recorded of it arising as a result of spontaneous mutation (where neither parent had it but their child does).
The condition involves polyp growth in the digestive tract. The polyps interfere with digestion to a small extent, but their main impact is that they tend to bleed, putting the person at risk of chronic anaemia.
In extreme cases a sufferer may need a blood transfusion to prevent imminent organ damage due to the anaemia. In most cases, the person with Peutz-Jaeger can live a long and normal life by taking low-dose iron supplements to make up for the small and chronic blood loss.
Evidence is mixed about whether the polyps caused by Peutz-Jaeger Syndrome (PJS) are likely to turn cancerous. Monitoring of the polyps using keyhole surgery techniques is recommended for people with PJS, just in case.
People with Peutz-Jaeger tend to have a distinctive external characteristic: Freckles on the lips and even on the palms of the hands.