Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Syndrome, Proteus
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Syndrome, Proteus: A disturbance of cell growth including benign tumors under the skin, overgrowth of the body, often more on one side than the other (hemihypertrophy), and overgrowth of fingers (macrodactyly). The syndrome is named after the Greek god Proteus the polymorphous who could change his appearance. The "elephant man" (John Merrick) of 19th century England who was thought to have had neurofibromatosis probably had Proteus syndrome.