The website uses technology that is probably not supported by your browser such as Internet Explorer 11. Some things may look strange or not work. We recommend that you switch to a modern browser instead

Skip to main content
Research and Facts
Länkstig, du är på sidan Treacher Collins syndrome
  1. Home
  2. Research and Facts
  3. Rare Diseases
  4. Treacher Collins syndrome

Treacher Collins syndrome

Codes

ICD-10: Q75.4

ORPHA: 86

General information

Estimated occurrence
2:100,000 live births.
Cause
Treacher Collins syndrome is caused by a mutation to a gene in the long arm of chromosome 5. Autosomal dominant heredity, but in around 60 per cent of the children who are born with Treacher Collins syndrome, the cause is a de novo mutation. The diagnosis is made based on the results of the clinical examination.
General symptoms
Treacher Collins’ facial deformities are two-sided. Cheekbones are often underdeveloped, and sometimes, the cheekbone arch is lacking completely on both sides. Eyelid coloboma (formation of a cleft eyelid) may occur. Ear deformities are very common and lead to varying degrees of hearing loss.
Synonyms
Mandibulofacial dysostosis.

Orofacial/odontological symptoms

Around 30 per cent of people suffering from Treacher Collins have a cleft palate. In other cases, the palate is high and narrow. Difficulties sucking cause breastfeeding problems, and later, there are often problems with chewing and swallowing. Communication difficulties may arise, partly due to the shape of the mouth, throat and nasal cavity, partly due to hearing loss. The lower jaw is often small, which causes dental problems in the shape of overcrowding. Other malocclusions, such as open bite and lack of teeth, are not uncommon. If the facial skeleton is underdeveloped, this also leads to underdevelopment of the attached muscles, giving rise to reduced oral motor skills. Children with Treacher Collins syndrome may frequently stop breathing while sleeping (sleep apnoea). This does, however, get better with age, but may require special measures to be taken.

Advice on follow-up and treatment

  • Early contact with dental services for intensified prophylactic care and oral hygiene information is essential.
  • In cases of craniofacial deformities, a specialist team will be needed for follow up and treatment.
  • Snoring problems should be followed up by a physician.
  • Speech and language difficulties should be treated by a speech therapist.

Sources

Updated: 2019-11-12 14:57