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Treacher Collins syndrome

Definition

Treacher Collins syndrome is a condition that is passed down through families (hereditary). It leads to problems with the structure of the face.

Alternative Names

Mandibulofacial dysostosis; Treacher Collins-Franceschetti syndrome

Causes

Changes to one of three genes, TCOF1, POLR1C, or POLR1D, can lead to Treacher Collins syndrome. The condition can be passed down through families (inherited). However, most of the time, there is not another affected family member.

This condition may vary in severity from generation to generation and from person to person.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

  • Outer part of the ears are abnormal or almost completely missing
  • Hearing loss
  • Very small jaw (micrognathia)
  • Very large mouth
  • Defect in the lower eyelid (coloboma)
  • Scalp hair that reaches to the cheeks
  • Cleft palate

Exams and Tests

The child most often will show normal intelligence. An exam of the infant may reveal a variety of problems, including:

  • Abnormal eye shape
  • Flat cheekbones
  • Cleft palate or lip
  • Small jaw
  • Low-set ears
  • Abnormally formed ears
  • Abnormal ear canal
  • Hearing loss
  • Defects in the eye (coloboma that extends into the lower lid)
  • Decreased eyelashes on the lower eyelid

Genetic tests can help identify gene changes linked to this condition.

Treatment

Hearing loss is treated to ensure better performance in school.

Being followed by a plastic surgeon is very important, because children with this condition may need a series of operations to correct birth defects. Plastic surgery can correct the receding chin and other changes in face structure.

Support Groups

FACES: The National Craniofacial Association -- www.faces-cranio.org/home.html

Outlook (Prognosis)

Children with this syndrome typically grow to become functioning adults of normal intelligence.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

This condition is most often seen at birth.

Genetic counseling can help families understand the condition and how to care for the person.

Prevention

Genetic counseling is recommended if you have a family history of this syndrome and wish to become pregnant.

References

Katsanis SH, Jabs EW. Treacher Collins syndrome. GeneReviews. 2012:8. PMID: 20301704 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20301704.

Tinanoff N. Syndromes with oral manifestations. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 311.

Review Date: 
8/6/2017
Reviewed By: 
Anna C. Edens Hurst, MD, MS, Assistant Professor in Medical Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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