Mosaicism

Definition

Mosaicism is a condition in which cells within the same person have a different genetic makeup. This condition can affect any type of cell, including:

  • Blood cells
  • Egg and sperm cells
  • Skin cells

Alternative Names

Chromosomal mosaicism; Gonadal mosaicism

Causes

Mosaicism is caused by an error in cell division very early in the development of the unborn baby. Examples of mosaicism include:

Symptoms

Symptoms vary and are very difficult to predict. Symptoms may not be as severe if you have both normal and abnormal cells.

Exams and Tests

Genetic testing can diagnose mosaicism.

Tests will likely need to be repeated to confirm the results, and to help determine the type and severity of the disorder. Sometimes two different body tissues may need to be tested, such as blood and skin, or skin from two different areas of the body.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the type and severity of the disorder. You may need less intense treatment if only some of the cells are abnormal.

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well you do depends on which organs and tissues are affected (for example, the brain or heart). It is difficult to predict the effects of having two different cell lines in one person.

In general, people with a high number of abnormal cells have the same outlook as people with the typical form of the disease (those who have all abnormal cells). The typical form is also called non-mosaic.

People with a low number of abnormal cells may be only mildly affected. They may not discover that they have mosaicism until they give birth to a child who has the non-mosaic form of the disease. Sometimes a child born with the non-mosaic form will not survive, but a child born with mosaicism will.

Possible Complications

Complications depend on how many cells are affected by the genetic change.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

A diagnosis of mosaicism may cause confusion and uncertainty. A genetic counselor may help answer any questions about diagnosis and testing.

Prevention

There is currently no known way to prevent mosaicism.

References

Driscoll DA, Simpson JL. Genetic screening and diagnosis. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 10.

Nussbaum RL, McInnes RR, Willard HF. Prenatal diagnosis and screening. In: Nussbaum RL, McInnes RR, Willard HF, eds. Thompson and Thompson Genetics in Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 17.

Review Date: 10/13/2022
Reviewed By: Anna C. Edens Hurst, MD, MS, Associate Professor in Medical Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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