Guide To The Complications Of Noonan Syndrome

Higher Risk Of Cancer

Noonan syndrome patients are at a higher risk of cancer compared to the general population. Specifically, there is an increased risk of leukemia (especially juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia) for individuals with this condition. Noonan syndrome can also increase the risk of neuroblastoma (a cancer of the nerves) and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (a type of muscle cancer). Patients are at an elevated risk of developing certain kinds of benign tumors, including giant cell lesions and granular cell tumors. While Noonan syndrome does increase a patient's chances of getting cancer, the increase in risk is currently believed to be very slight. Doctors recommend that patients with this condition receive the same cancer screenings advised for the general population; no additional screenings are recommended at this time. Patients with this syndrome will receive frequent monitoring from healthcare professionals, and they should mention any lumps, swollen lymph nodes, pain, coughing, vision changes, or unintended weight loss to their doctors.

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