Endometrial cancer in a 14-year-old girl with Cowden syndrome: a case report

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2013 Apr;39(4):876-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2012.02052.x. Epub 2012 Dec 21.

Abstract

The appearance of endometrial cancer in adolescence is uncommon and warrants investigation for an hereditary cancer syndrome. Cowden syndrome is an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome associated with a germline PTEN mutation and increased risk of breast, thyroid, endometrial and colon cancer. In this report we present a case of a 14-year-old nulligravid female diagnosed with grade 1 endometrial adenocarcinoma. She subsequently developed fibrocystic breast disease and colon polyps and was diagnosed with Cowden syndrome at age 20. We therefore recommend formal evaluation for Cowden syndrome to be considered when endometrial cancer is diagnosed in adolescence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / etiology*
  • Adolescent
  • Amino Acid Substitution
  • Colonic Polyps / etiology
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Female
  • Fibrocystic Breast Disease / etiology
  • Hamartoma Syndrome, Multiple / genetics
  • Hamartoma Syndrome, Multiple / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / genetics

Substances

  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase
  • PTEN protein, human