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The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Hemihypertrophy
Overview
Hemihypertrophy occurs when there is overgrowth on only one side of the body. This growth can be anywhere from the face to the arms to the legs, and can occur on its own (isolated hemihypertrophy) or be the result of another disease. Since this disease can occur in different places of the body, there is a wide range of side effects. Anything from feeding problems due to a large tongue, to uneven leg length, to large abdominal organs on one side of the body (like the kidney, liver, etc) can take place. Hemihypertrophy can also result in the growth of tumors that begin in the fetal tissue. Studies have also shown that hemihypertrophy can lead to a greater risk of cancers in childhood.
This disease is caused by a change in the genes while the mother is still pregnant. Nothing can be done to prevent hemihypertrophy, and it is not hereditary (meaning a parent doesn’t pass it on to their child). Most of the effects of this disease decrease over time, and once an individual grows out of childhood, the risk for cancer is significantly lowered. Children born with hemihypertrophy are able to live long full lives. Treatment is different for each person with this disease. It can involve surgery, cancer treatments, or feeding assistance depending where the hypertrophy occurs in the body.Description Last Updated: Oct 03, 2017
Trusted Medical Sites
Genetic & Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
GARD provides the public with access to current, reliable, and easy-to-understand information about rare or genetic diseases in English or Spanish.
Support Organizations
Support organizations can provide help and guidance in areas such as peer matching, education and training, and therapy and counseling.