To date, Proteus syndrome is considered a very rare genetic disease, which is accompanied by unnatural proliferation of bones, muscle and connective tissue. Unfortunately, the diagnosis and treatment of such a disease is a very difficult and not always possible process.
Modern medicine only knows that Proteus syndrome is a hereditary disease and is associated with a gene mutation. Nevertheless, the mechanism for the occurrence of such changes has not yet been fully studied.
Proteus Syndrome: a bit of history
The first such disease was described in 1979. It was then that Michael Cohen discovered about 200 cases of this syndrome worldwide. It was this scientist who gave the name of the disease. Proteus is a sea god in Greek mythology. And, according to ancient myths, this deity could change the shapes and sizes of its own body.
Proteus Syndrome: Symptoms
In fact, the disease can be accompanied by various changes and disorders. As a rule, sick children are born completely normal, and only with the years changes begin. Interestingly, in each case, the symptoms may be different. In some patients, a genetic abnormality is determined randomly, since there are no external signs. Other patients, on the contrary, suffer from discomfort for almost their entire lives.
As already mentioned, Proteus syndrome (photo) is accompanied by proliferation of tissues - these can be muscles, bones, skin, lymphatic and blood vessels, adipose tissue. Overgrowths can appear almost anywhere. For example, an increase in the size of the head and limbs and a change in their normal shape are often observed.
It is worth noting that the life expectancy of such people is reduced. They are more prone to problems with the circulatory system (embolism, deep vein thrombosis), as well as cancer and glandular lesions.
Proteus syndrome alone does not delay development. But as a result of intensive tissue growth, secondary damage to the nervous system is possible.
Proteus syndrome and its treatment
To begin with, it is worth noting that early diagnosis is very important. The sooner the disease is determined, the more chances a child has for a more comfortable life. Like all hereditary and congenital diseases, this problem does not have a single solution - it is impossible to get rid of the syndrome. But the methods of modern medicine will help fight the main symptoms.
For example, with the growth of bone tissue, scoliosis, different lengths of limbs, it is possible to wear special orthopedic devices that will help to cope with the problem. If the disease is associated with disturbances in the circulatory system or tumors, then the patient should be under constant medical supervision.
Quite often, surgical methods of treatment are also used. For example, with the help of operations, you can correct the bite, shorten the bones of the fingers, so that a person can use two hands. Sometimes it is necessary to correct the bone and connective tissue of the chest in order to save the patient from problems with breathing and swallowing.
In any case, this disease requires constant attention and treatment. This is the only way to extend the life and improve its quality.