MedGen

Primary lymphedema is caused by anatomic or functional defects in the lymphatic system, resulting in chronic swelling of body parts. There may be accompanying nail and skin changes, such as nail dysplasia or papillomatosis. Onset is usually at birth or in early childhood but can occur later, and the severity is variable (summary by Gordon et al., 2013 and Balboa-Beltran et al., 2014). Genetic Heterogeneity of Lymphatic Malformation Primary lymphedema is genetically heterogeneous: see also LMPHM2 (611944), which maps to chromosome 6q16.2-q22.1; LMPHM3 (613480), caused by mutation in the GJC2 gene (608803) on chromosome 1q42; LMPHM4 (615907), caused by mutation in the VEGFC gene (601528) on chromosome 4q34; LMPHM5 (153200); LMPHM6 (616843), caused by mutation in the PIEZO1 gene (611184) on chromosome 16q24; LMPHM7 (617300), caused by mutation in the EPHB4 gene (600011) on chromosome 7q22; LMPHM8 (618773), caused by mutation in the CALCRL gene (114190) on chromosome 2q31; LMPHM9 (619319), caused by mutation in the CELSR1 gene (604523) on chromosome 22q13; LMPHM10 (610369), caused by mutation in the ANGPT2 gene (601922) on chromosome 8p23; LMPHM11 (619401), caused by mutation in the TIE1 gene (600222) on chromosome 1p34; LMPHM12 (620014), caused by mutation in the MDFIC gene (614511) on chromosome 7q31; LMPHM13 (620244), caused by mutation in the THSD1 gene (616821) on chromosome 13q14; and LMPHM14 (620602), caused by mutation in the ERG gene (165080) on chromosome 21q22. Lymphedema can also be a feature of syndromic disorders such as lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome (153400), which is caused by mutation in the FOXC2 gene (602402), and various forms of nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF; see 236750). [from OMIM]

Cowden syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by multiple noncancerous, tumor-like growths called hamartomas and an increased risk of developing certain cancers.

Almost everyone with Cowden syndrome develops hamartomas. These growths are most commonly found on the skin and mucous membranes (such as the lining of the mouth and nose), but they can also occur in the intestine and other parts of the body. The growth of hamartomas on the skin and mucous membranes typically becomes apparent by a person's late twenties.

Cowden syndrome is associated with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, particularly cancers of the breast, a gland in the lower neck called the thyroid, and the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). Other cancers that have been identified in people with Cowden syndrome include kidney cancer, colorectal cancer, and an agressive form of skin cancer called melanoma. Compared with the general population, people with Cowden syndrome develop these cancers at younger ages, often beginning in their thirties or forties. People with Cowden syndrome are also more likely to develop more than one cancer during their lifetimes compared to the general population. Other diseases of the breast, thyroid, and endometrium are also common in Cowden syndrome. Additional signs and symptoms can include an enlarged head (macrocephaly) and a rare, noncancerous brain tumor called Lhermitte-Duclos disease. A small percentage of affected individuals have delayed development, intellectual disability, or autism spectrum disorder, which can affect communication and social interaction.

Some people do not meet the strict criteria for a clinical diagnosis of Cowden syndrome, but they have some of the characteristic features of the condition, particularly the cancers. These individuals are often described as having Cowden-like syndrome. Both Cowden syndrome and Cowden-like syndrome are caused by mutations in the same genes.

The features of Cowden syndrome overlap with those of another disorder called Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome. People with Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome also develop hamartomas and other noncancerous tumors.  Some people with Cowden syndrome have relatives diagnosed with Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, and other affected individuals have the characteristic features of both conditions. Based on these similarities, researchers have proposed that Cowden syndrome and Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome represent a spectrum of overlapping features known as PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (named for the genetic cause of the conditions) instead of two distinct conditions.

 [from MedlinePlus Genetics]

A tumor of the skin or mucous membrane with finger-like projections. [from HPO]