Tuberous sclerosis

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors

When to seek medical advice Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs

Definition

Tuberous sclerosis is a rare genetic disease that causes noncancerous (benign) tumors to grow in many parts of the body, such as the skin, brain and kidneys. The signs and symptoms of tuberous sclerosis vary — from patches of light-colored skin to seizures or behavior problems — depending on where the tumors develop.

Some people who have tuberous sclerosis have such mild signs and symptoms that the condition goes undiagnosed. Others experience serious disabilities. There's no cure for tuberous sclerosis, and there's no way to predict the course or severity of the disease. With appropriate treatment, however, many people who have tuberous sclerosis lead full, productive lives.

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Symptoms