General: Because Peutz Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a genetic condition, there is currently no way to prevent the disease. However, a number of options are available for prospective parents with a family history of PJS.
Genetic testing and counseling: Individuals who have PJS may meet with a genetic counselor to discuss the risks of having children with the disease. Genetic counselors can explain the options and the associated risks of various tests, including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) may be used with artificial fertilization. In PGD, embryos are tested for the defective STK11 gene, and only the embryos that are not affected may be selected for implantation. Because PJS can be detected in a fetus, parents may choose whether to continue the pregnancy. Genetic counselors may assist parents with these difficult decisions.