What are the classic symptoms of McCune-Albright syndrome?

McCune-Albright syndrome is characterized by a triad of classic symptoms. The presence of precocious puberty is a significant aspect, particularly in females, who may experience early onset menstruation or breast development, often due to endocrine dysfunction caused by estrogen-secreting ovarian tumors.

Café-au-lait spots are another hallmark feature of this syndrome. These are flat, pigmented skin lesions that typically appear early in childhood and have a characteristic “coast of Maine” appearance, which is defined by irregular edges. They result from abnormal melanin production and are notably more numerous in McCune-Albright syndrome than in other conditions associated with café-au-lait spots.

Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, the third element of the triad, involves the replacement of normal bone with abnormal fibrous tissue. This can lead to a variety of bone deformities and increased risk of fractures. The affected bones can be asymptomatic or may cause pain and functional impairment depending on their location and extent.

Together, these three symptoms—precocious puberty, café-au-lait spots, and polyostotic fibrous dysplasia—define McCune-Albright syndrome and are crucial for diagnosis. Other options mention symptoms associated with different conditions, such as neuro