MedGen

Individuals with mutation in the PALB2 gene have an increased risk of developing breast or, to a lesser degree, ovarian cancer. In addition, PALB2 variants increase susceptibility to several other cancers, e.g., male breast cancer and pancreatic cancer (PNCA3; 613348) (Rahman et al., 2007; Norquist et al., 2018; Yang et al., 2020). For a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of breast-ovarian cancer susceptibility, see BROVCA1 (604370). For general discussions of breast cancer and ovarian cancer, see 114480 and 167000, respectively. Reviews Hamdan and Nowak (2023) reviewed the structure and function of the PALB2 gene, and its role in disease, including Fanconi anemia (FANCN; 610832), pancreatic cancer (PNCA3; 613348), and breast and ovarian cancer. [from OMIM]

Individuals with mutation in the PALB2 gene have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. In addition, PALB2 variants increase susceptibility to several other cancers, e.g., familial breast-ovarian cancer (BROVCA5; 620422) (Jones et al., 2009; Yang et al., 2020). For background, phenotypic description, and a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of pancreatic carcinoma, see 260350. [from OMIM]

Fanconi anemia (FA) is characterized by physical abnormalities, bone marrow failure, and increased risk for malignancy. Physical abnormalities, present in approximately 75% of affected individuals, include one or more of the following: short stature, abnormal skin pigmentation, skeletal malformations of the upper and/or lower limbs, microcephaly, and ophthalmic and genitourinary tract anomalies. Progressive bone marrow failure with pancytopenia typically presents in the first decade, often initially with thrombocytopenia or leukopenia. The incidence of acute myeloid leukemia is 13% by age 50 years. Solid tumors – particularly of the head and neck, skin, and genitourinary tract – are more common in individuals with FA. [from GeneReviews]

An inherited genetic condition in which members within a family are at an increased risk for the development of benign and/or malignant neoplasms. [from NCI]