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STK11 (Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome): Other Considerations

Learn about other health implications for people with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome or an inherited STK11 mutation. Stay up to date by signing up for our community newsletter.
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Other Medical Concerns for People with Inherited Mutations

can have other implications beyond cancer risk. 

What medical conditions besides cancer do people with need to know about?

People with can develop noncancerous tumor-like growths called hamartomas. These growths most often form in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the stomach and intestines. 

What are the medical concerns for children with ?

Children with 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. These spots appear during childhood and often fade as the person gets older.

Children with often develop multiple in the stomach and intestines during childhood or adolescence. can cause health problems such as recurrent bowel obstructions, chronic bleeding, and abdominal pain beginning at a young age. 

What can parents do to avoid passing their mutation on to their children?

Because of the high lifetime risk and early onset of medical issues with Peutz-Jeghers syndome, people of reproductive age may wish to speak with a fertility expert prior to having children. There are options using assisted reproductive technology and preimplantation genetic diagnosis for parents to select embryos that are free of an inherited  mutation. 

Last updated September 07, 2025