Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS)
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a rare, congenital (present at birth) overgrowth condition that carries a higher risk of several types of cancer in children.
- What is Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS)?
- Signs and symptoms of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS)
- What causes Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS)?
- How common is Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS)?
- How is Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) diagnosed?
- Does Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) increase a person’s cancer risk?
- How is Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) managed and treated?
What is Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS)?
In children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), some parts of the body grow more than they should (called an overgrowth syndrome). This means a child might have a high birth weight or might have one arm or leg that is bigger than the other. BWS also can affect other parts of the body, such as the tongue .
In addition to growth changes, children with BWS have a higher risk of several types of cancer. These cancers are called embryonal cancers. Embryonal cancers come from early cells that normally mature into organs like the liver or kidneys. When these cells do not mature as they should, it can result in cancer. For example, early liver cells can develop into a tumor called hepatoblastoma. Similarly, early kidney cells can develop into a tu