Name

Edwards syndrome

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Definition

A genetic disorder caused by having an extra chromosome 18 in some or all of the body’s cells. Edwards syndrome is marked by a low birth weight and certain abnormal features. These include a small, abnormally shaped head; a small jaw and mouth; clenched fists with overlapping fingers; and heart, lung, kidney, intestine, and stomach defects. Many babies with Edwards syndrome die before birth or within the first month of life, but some children live for several years. Having Edwards syndrome increases the risk of certain types of cancer, such as hepatoblastoma (a type of liver cancer) and Wilms tumor (a type of kidney cancer).

Resource

Title: National Cancer Institute
NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

Alternate Names

Trisomy 18

Abstractor Notes

None

Histology

None

Primary Sites

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Glossary