Final answer:
McCune-Albright syndrome is marked by fibrous dysplasia, café-au-lait spots, and endocrine issues, leading to symptoms such as bone deformities, distinctive skin pigmentation, and possibly early puberty.
Step-by-step explanation:
McCune-Albright Syndrome Characteristics and Presentation:
McCune-Albright syndrome is characterized by a triad of symptoms: fibrous dysplasia of the bones, café-au-lait skin pigmentation, and endocrine abnormalities, including early puberty. Patients may present with bone pain or deformities, uneven skin pigmentation resembling coffee with milk, and signs of hormonal excess such as premature development.
A patient with McCune-Albright syndrome may first come to medical attention due to bone pain or fractures caused by fibrous dysplasia, where normal bone is replaced by fibrous tissue. The characteristic café-au-lait spots are usually large, with irregular borders, commonly referred to as 'coast of Maine' margins. The endocrine abnormalities can lead to developmental delays and a range of effects depending on which glands are affected, but precocious puberty is the most common.