- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
May also be called: LFS
Li-Fraumeni (LEE frow-MEE-nee) syndrome, or LFS, is a rare genetic disorder that makes a child likely to develop cancer at some point in his or her life.
More to Know
Li-Fraumeni syndrome means a person has a defect in a gene called TP53. TP53 helps control the growth of cells. If the gene isn't working correctly, cells can grow out of control and tumors may form. This can lead to several types of cancer, including breast cancer, leukemia, brain tumors, soft-tissue tumors, and bone tumors (osteosarcomas). Cancers caused by Li-Fraumeni syndrome often first develop in children or young adults, but they can happen to people of any age.
Li-Fraumeni syndrome is usually inherited from a parent who also has the genetic defect, but in rare cases the defect can be caused by a random mutation.
Li-Fraumeni syndrome is diagnosed through genetic testing. Symptoms and treatment both depend on which type of cancer develops.
Keep in Mind
There is currently no cure for Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Early diagnosis can help doctors be ready to treat any tumors or cancers that develop. The earlier treatment is started, the more effective it is, increasing the chances of a good long-term outcome.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.