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Fig. 35.7 Cowden’s syndrome. A, Typical small keratotic papules on the face. B, Characteristic cobblestone papules on the mucosal surface of the lower lip. |
This syndrome is characterized by a triad of findings:
1. small keratotic facial papules (Fig. 35-7A),
2. cobblestoning of the oral mucosa (Fig. 35-7B), and
3. acral keratotic skin lesions.
These patients also have benign tumors of neural, fibrous, vascular, and epithelial origin. Multiple small tumors of facial hair follicles (trichilemmomas) are pathognomonic of this syndrome. Fibrocystic disease of the breast is common, and 30% of women will develop breast cancer. Many other associated cancers have been reported, with thyroid cancer being the second most common malignancy.