NHS Choices Condition
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Tuberous sclerosis is caused by a genetic mutation that occurs either in one of two genes: the TSC1 or TSC2 gene.
Both genes are responsible for regulating cell growth. However, the mutation is thought to affect their ability to properly control cell growth, leading to the development of multiple tumours throughout the body.
In around 25% of cases of tuberous sclerosis, a child will inherit one of the mutated genes from one of their parents. If you are a parent who has one of the mutated genes, you have a 50% chance of passing it on every time you conceive a child. The severity of symptoms can often vary between an affected parent and an affected child.
In the other 75% of cases of tuberous sclerosis, the mutation seems to occur for no apparent reason. This is known as a spontaneous mutation.
At the current time, there are no identifiable risk factors for people who are more likely to experience a spontaneous mutation.
The chance of getting tuberous sclerosis is the same for both sexes and all ethnic groups are equally affected by the condition.
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