Chromosomal mosaicism; Gonadal mosaicism

Treatment will depend on the type of genetic disease. Patients with mosaicism may need less intense treatment than those with the typical form of the disease because only some of their cells are abnormal.

The outlook depends on how much the mosaicism has affected the organs and tissues in the body (for example, the brain or heart). It is difficult to predict the effects of having two different cell lines in one person.

In general, patients with a high percentage of abnormal cells have the same outlook as people with the typical form of the disease (those who have all abnormal cells).

Patients with a low percentage of abnormal cells may only be mildly affected. They may not discover that they have mosaicism until they birth to a child who has the typical (non-mosaic) form of the disease.

Complications vary based on the type and percentage of cells affected by the genetic change.

A diagnosis of mosaicism can cause confusion and uncertainty. A genetic counselor may help you with diagnosis and testing questions.

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Mosaicism Symptoms

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Mosaicism Prevention

Review Date: 12/01/2010
Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)