Proteus syndrome /prō′tē·us/ , a rare congenital disorder with highly variable manifestations, including partial gigantism of the hands and feet with hypertrophy of the palms and soles, nevi, hemihypertrophy, subcutaneous tumors, macrocephaly and other skull abnormalities, and abdominal or pelvic lipomatosis. The cause is unknown, although a genetic origin, possibly of autosomal-dominant transmission, has been conjectured. Although symptoms can be treated, there is no known cure.