Is hemihypertrophy hereditary?

Approximately 10 to 15 percent of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome or hemihypertrophy cases are hereditary, meaning they may be passed from parents to children. In these cases, there is up to a 50 percent chance that an affected or carrier parent will pass on the genetic abnormality to a child during pregnancy.

Are you born with hemihypertrophy?

It may not be apparent at birth, but becomes most noticeable as the child grows. Hemihypertrophy can be isolated or may be part of a genetic syndrome, like Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. In most cases, the cause of isolated hemihypertrophy is unknown.

Is hemihypertrophy a birth defect?

However, in hemihyperplasia, the cells on one side aren’t able to stop growing. This causes the affected body area(s) to continue growing or enlarge abnormally. The disorder is congenital, which means that it is evident at birth.

What is BWS caused by?

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is the most common overgrowth and cancer predisposition disorder. BWS is caused by changes on chromosome 11p15. 5 and is characterized by a wide spectrum of symptoms and physical findings that vary in range and severity from person to person.

How is hemihypertrophy related to other genetic diseases?

Hemihypertrophy. Hemihypertrophy can be isolated or may be part of a genetic syndrome, like Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. In most cases, the cause of isolated hemihypertrophy is unknown. In cases where the condition is part of a genetic syndrome, the cause depends on the specific syndrome. Treatment may include surgery to correct…

When is a child with hemihypertrophy isolated?

Hemihypertrophy is “isolated” when it occurs by itself. But, it can be one of several characteristics of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) or another genetic syndrome. Sometimes hemihypertrophy is not apparent at birth but can bec ome clear as he or she grows. Children with Hemihypertrophy may have a range of the following features:

When do you know if you have hemihypertrophy?

It may not be apparent at birth, but becomes most noticeable as the child grows. Hemihypertrophy can be isolated or may be part of a genetic syndrome, like Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. In most cases, the cause of isolated hemihypertrophy is unknown.

Can a child with hemihypertrophy have Proteus syndrome?

Some children with hemihypertrophy also have a genetic syndrome, such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, neurofibromatosis, Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome, or Proteus syndrome. Although these occur in the minority of children, each child with hemihypertrophy should be evaluated by a geneticist to look for associated conditions.