Question:

Cowden syndrome is associated with mutation of which gene?

Show Hint

A tumour-suppressor phosphatase linked to hamartomas and breast or thyroid cancer.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • P53
  • PTEN
  • Rb
  • Ras
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Cowden syndrome (multiple hamartoma syndrome) is an autosomal dominant condition and part of the PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome. Step 2: It is caused by germline mutation of the PTEN gene, which normally acts as a tumour-suppressor phosphatase. Loss of PTEN function promotes uncontrolled cell growth. Step 3: Clinically it produces facial trichilemmomas, multiple GI hamartomatous polyps, and a very high lifetime risk of breast and thyroid carcinoma. Step 4: P53 (Li-Fraumeni), Rb (retinoblastoma) and Ras (a proto-oncogene) are other cancer genes but are not the defect in Cowden syndrome. Hence PTEN is correct.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0