(birt-hogg-dube syndrome) A rare genetic syndrome with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. It is caused by a mutation in the FLCN gene which encodes the protein folliculin. Clinical signs include multiple benign growths of the skin and lungs that begin to manifest in the second or third decade of life. The clinical course is characterized by the progressive growth of new and existing neoplasms. In those with mutations in both copies of FLCN, the kidneys may also be affected by the growth of benign or malignant neoplasms.

(birt-hogg-dube syndrome) An inherited condition in which benign tumors develop in hair follicles on the head, chest, back, and arms. People who have this disorder may be at increased risk of developing colon or kidney cancer.

(birt-hogg-dube syndrome) Autosomal dominant neoplastic syndrome characterised by genodermatosis, lung cysts, spontaneous and recurrent PNEUMOTHORAX; and RENAL CANCER. It is associated with mutations in the folliculin protein gene (FLCN protein).

The clinical characteristics of Birt-Hogg-Dub� syndrome (BHDS) include cutaneous manifestations (fibrofolliculomas, acrochordons, angiofibromas, oral papules, cutaneous collagenomas, and epidermal cysts), pulmonary cysts/history of pneumothorax, and various types of renal tumors. Disease severity can vary significantly even within the same family. Skin lesions typically appear between the second and fourth decades of life and typically increase in size and number with age. Lung cysts are often bilateral and multifocal; most individuals are asymptomatic but at high risk for spontaneous pneumothorax. Individuals with BHDS are at a sevenfold increased risk for renal tumors that can be bilateral and multifocal; median age of renal tumor diagnosis is 48 years. The most common renal tumors are a hybrid of oncocytoma and chromophobe histologic cell types (oncocytic hybrid tumor) and chromophobe histologic cell types. Some families have renal tumor(s) and/or spontaneous pneumothorax without cutaneous manifestations.

In 1977, Birt, Hogg, and Dub� reported small papular skin lesions distributed over the scalp, forehead, face, and neck in 15 of 70 members in a kindred study. Histologic examination of the lesions revealed fibrofolliculomas, trichodiscomas, and acrochordons.

Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome (BHDS) is a rare, complex, genetic disorder with three main clinical findings: non-cancerous (benign) skin tumors; lung cysts and/or history of pneumothorax (collapsed lung); and various types of renal tumors. Fibrofolliculomas are a type of benign skin tumor specific to BHDS. They typically occur on the face,...