Proteus Syndrome: Symptoms and Methods of Treatment

To date, Proteus' syndrome is considered a very rare genetic disease, which is accompanied by unnatural growth of bones, muscle and connective tissues. Unfortunately, the diagnosis and treatment of such a disease is a very difficult and not always possible process.

Modern medicine knows only that Proteus' syndrome is a hereditary disease and is associated with a mutation of genes. Nevertheless, the mechanism of occurrence of such changes has not been fully studied yet.

Proteus Syndrome: a little history

For the first time such a disease was described in 1979. It was then that Michael Cohen discovered about 200 cases of this syndrome all over the world. 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 shape and size 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. It is interesting that in each individual case the symptoms may be different. In some patients, genetic deviation is determined by chance, since there are no external signs. Other patients, on the contrary, practically all their lives suffer from discomfort.

As already mentioned, Proteus' syndrome (photo) is accompanied by growth of tissues - it can be muscles, bones, skin, lymphatic and blood vessels, adipose tissue. Sprouting can appear almost anywhere. For example, often increasing the size of the head and limbs, changing their normal shape.

It is worth noting that the life expectancy of such people is declining. They are more prone to problems with the circulatory system (embolism, deep vein thrombosis), as well as oncological diseases and gland lesions.

By itself Proteus' syndrome does not cause a delay in development. But as a result of intensive tissue growth, secondary lesions of the nervous system are possible.

Proteus Syndrome and its treatment

To begin with, it is worth noting that early diagnosis is very important. The earlier the disease is identified, 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 to combat the main symptoms.

For example, with the growth of bone tissue, scoliosis, different lengths of limbs, it is possible to wear special orthopedic adaptations that will help to cope with the problem. If the disease is associated with abnormalities in the functioning of the circulatory system or with tumors, the patient must be under constant medical supervision.

Surgical methods of treatment are often used. For example, with the help of operations, you can correct the bite, shorten the bones of your fingers, so that a person can use both hands. Sometimes it is necessary to correct the bone and connective tissue of the chest in order to relieve the patient of problems with breathing and swallowing.

In any case, this disease requires constant attention and treatment. This is the only way to extend the life span and improve its quality.