Multiple hamartoma syndrome

Cowden Disease: A Review

ABSTRACT

PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PTHS) includes diseases with germline pathogenic variants in the PTEN gene. Cowden syndrome is included in this syndrome . PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) is a tumor suppressor gene located on chromosome 10q22-23; nearly 60%-90% of pathogenic variants are inherited. Cowden syndrome is a rare autosomic dominant condition, affecting approximately 1/200,000 people worldwide. Patients present benign and, malignant neoplasms in multiple organs, mostly breast and thyroid. The skin is the organ affected most consistently by Cowden disease. It is an autosomal dominant condition, characterized clinically by the presence of innumerable verrucous lesions on the skin. Interpretations of histopathologic findings in the cutaneous and mucosal lesions continue to be a matter of debate.

Multiple sclerotic fibromas of the skin: an important clue for the diagnosis of Cowden syndrome

Cowden syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterised by mucocutaneous hamartomas and, most importantly, predisposition to various extracutaneous benign and malignant tumours. This disorder is associated with a germline mutation in the phosphatase and tensin homologue gene, a tumour suppressor gene, located on 10q23 chromosome. The expressivity of this genodermatosis is highly variable, therefore many of the cases remain undiagnosed. Skin and mucous findings are very common in Cowden syndrome and may represent the initial clinical manifestation leading to the diagnosis. The authors describe a case of a 58-year-old man with multiple cutaneous sclerotic fibromas associated with a previously unrecognised Cowden syndrome.

The spectrum of nephrocutaneous diseases and associations: Genetic causes of nephrocutaneous disease

There are a significant number of diseases and treatment considerations of considerable importance relating to the skin and renal systems. This emphasizes the need for dermatologists in practice or in clinical training to be aware of these associations. Part I of this 2-part continuing medical education article reviews the genetic syndromes with both renal and cutaneous involvement that are most important for the dermatologist to be able to identify, manage, and appropriately refer to nephrology colleagues. Part II reviews the inflammatory syndromes with relevant renal manifestations and therapeutic agents commonly used by dermatologists that have drug-induced effects on or require close consideration of renal function. In addition, we will likewise review therapeutic agents commonly used by nephrologists that have drug-induced effects on the skin that dermatologists are likely to encounter in clinical practice. In both parts of this continuing medical education article, we discuss diagnosis, management, and appropriate referral to our nephrology colleagues in the context of each nephrocutaneous association. There are a significant number of dermatoses associated with renal abnormalities and disease, emphasizing the need for dermatologists to be keenly aware of their presence in order to avoid overlooking important skin conditions with potentially devastating renal complications. This review discusses important nephrocutaneous disease associations with recommendations for the appropriate urgency of referral to nephrology colleagues for diagnosis, surveillance, and early management of potential renal sequelae.

Cowden syndrome

Cowden syndrome (CS) is a rare inherited condition characterised by multiple hamartomas in a variety of tissues from all three embryonic layers. It is a cancer predisposition syndrome with an increased risk of developing malignancy in many tissues but especially breast, thyroid and endometrium. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with ∼80% of patients having a germ-line mutation of the PTEN tumour suppressor gene. Presenting signs and symptoms are highly non-specific. Nevertheless clinicians should be able to recognise this syndrome so that patients may be screened for cancerous growths and afforded the opportunity to have genetic testing to assist them and their family members in making medical management decisions. We present a review of this unusual but important condition with particular emphasis on the diagnostic criteria, clinical features, genetics, management and surveillance.

Cowden disease: a review

Cowden disease is a genetically inherited disorder presenting with multiple hamartomatous and neoplastic lesions in various organs and tissues. We present a review of the diagnostic criteria, clinical presentation, genetics, and management of this condition.

Case of Cowden syndrome associated with eccrine angiomatous hamartoma

Cowden syndrome, also known as multiple hamartoma syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple hamartomatous tumors of ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal origin. A 47-year-old woman had a skin-colored plaque on the left foot. She had total abdominal hysterectomy due to uterine leiomyoma at the age of 35, and had modified radical mastectomy due to right breast cancer at 38. Thyroid adenoma was diagnosed at age 46. Physical examinations revealed macrocephaly, multiple papules of the buccal mucosa, skin tags of the neck and multiple keratotic papules of both hands. Multiple gastrointestinal polyps were detected on gastrofiberoscopy and colonoscopy. Histological examination of the skin lesion on the left foot showed an increased numbers of eccrine sweat glands and blood vessels, which are characteristic histological findings of eccrine angiomatous hamartoma (EAH), a rare benign tumor. We present a case of Cowden syndrome with an associated EAH, which has not been described in the English literatures.

Cutaneous manifestations of internal malignancy: diagnosis and management

An association between systemic malignancy and cutaneous manifestations has long been recognized. The cutaneous features that can occur are numerous and heterogeneous, and many different etiologic mechanisms are represented - from direct tumor invasion of skin or distant metastases to a wide variety of inflammatory dermatoses that may occur as paraneoplastic phenomena. In addition, there are a number of inherited syndromes that carry an increased risk of cutaneous as well as internal malignancies. While some of these inherited syndromes and paraneoplastic phenomena are exceedingly rare, all clinicians will be aware of the common cutaneous manifestations of advanced malignant disease such as generalized xerosis and pruritus. This review classifies these wide-ranging cutaneous manifestations of internal malignancy into five basic groups and provides practical advice regarding diagnosis and screening of patients who initially present with a cutaneous complaint. Also included is up-to-date information on two rapidly expanding and exciting areas of research that are likely to have far-reaching clinical implications: (i) clarification of underlying humoral mechanisms, for example, in the malignant carcinoid syndrome; and (ii) identification of an increasing number of specific genetic defects that confer a susceptibility to malignancy.Increased clinician awareness regarding the associations between these lesions and internal malignancy or inherited syndromes will facilitate screening and early diagnosis.

Sclerosing dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP): an unusual variant with focus on the histopathologic differential diagnosis

A 59-year-old man presented with a 10-cm x 8-cm tumoral plaque with a superficial nodule in the interscapular region of the back (Fig. 1). The lesion had been growing for 25 years. As a cystic lesion was suspected, the superficial nodule was biopsied. The histopathologic diagnosis was low-grade sarcoma with sclerosis. Two months after the initial biopsy, the lesion was completely excised, reaching the muscular fascia, with a 2-cm margin and with a free graft. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples were submitted to histologic and immunohistochemical study (4-microm paraffin sections); frozen tissue was submitted to electron microscopy. For histopathology, sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Immunohistochemistry was performed following standard avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase procedures with primary antibodies for vimentin, CD34, smooth muscle-specific actin, bcl-2, S-100, desmin, myoglobin, factor VIII, p53 (all from DAKO, Copenhagen, Denmark), HHF-35 (Enzo Diagnostics, Farmingdale NY), cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) (Biogenex, San Ramon, CA), and factor XIIIa (Calbiochem Novabiochem Corporation, La Jolla, CA). At low magnification, the histologic study of the initial tumoral nodule revealed a poorly circumscribed mesenchymal proliferation, with fibroblastic-like neoplastic cells arranged in a fascicular and storiform pattern, admixed with extensive areas of sclerosis. At higher magnification, tumoral cells were spindle-shaped with hyperchromatic nuclei and scant cytoplasm. In some areas, sclerosis was so evident that a keloid-like pattern was seen (Fig. 2a). The surgical specimen showed a fibroblastic neoplastic proliferation infiltrating the dermis and hypodermis. In the dermis, cells were arranged in a storiform pattern, whereas in the hypodermis there was a honeycomb or lace-like pattern (Fig. 2b). There were also cellular areas alternating with sclerotic areas, with transitional zones in between, in both the dermis and hypodermis. The immunohistochemical study of the initial tumoral nodule and the surgical specimen showed that tumoral cells expressed vimentin, CD34 (Fig. 3), bcl-2, HHF-35, and smooth muscle actin. Neoplastic cells failed to show positivity with desmin, myoglobin, factor XIIIa, factor VIII, S-100, cytokeratin (AE1/AE3), and p53. An ultrastructural study revealed spindle cells having an irregular contour with a well-developed granular reticulum endoplasmic (REG) system in their cytoplasm, as well as some Golgi complexes and mitochondria. Also visible was the presence of many actin filaments and some myosin condensations (Fig. 4), characteristics of a fibroblastic cell with myofibroblastic differentiation. The final histopathologic diagnosis of the surgical specimen was sclerosing dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Two years after surgery, the patient is alive and well.

Laryngeal hamartoma

OBJECTIVE

Hamartoma is a rare finding in the head and neck area and usually occurs as an age-related tumor in the lung. The aim of this study was to present the results of long-term follow-up of a case of laryngeal hamartoma (LH) and review the relevant literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A case of LH is presented which occurred in a 5-year-old child with a previously unreported change in the histologic pattern at recurrence. The relevant literature is critically reviewed with emphasis on histopathological aspects, clinical signs, age and gender.

RESULTS

A total of 26 patients matched the search criteria, of whom 17 (65%) were male. LH occurred in 10 children (mean age 1.9 years) and 9 adults (mean age 49.6 years). Stridor, dysphonia and hoarseness were the commonest symptoms, occurring in 14 patients in total. In 18 patients the tumor presented as a supraglottic lesion (69%). Two neonates died shortly after the diagnosis was made. The current patient is the first to have presented with a change in the histological subtype.

CONCLUSION

LH should be included in the differential diagnosis of benign laryngeal lesions, particularly in children. Complete surgical removal is the method of choice but should be limited in order to preserve laryngeal function, as the prognosis of patients with LH is excellent.

Solitary sclerotic fibroma of skin: a possible link with pleomorphic fibroma with immunophenotypic expression for O13 (CD99) and CD34

BACKGROUND

Solitary sclerotic fibroma (SF) presents as a well circumscribed dermal nodule, composed of sparse spindle cells with alternating wavy collagen fibers arranged in a storiform pattern. The histogenesis and nature of this histologically distinct lesion are uncertain. Whether this peculiar tumor represents a true hamartoma or a degenerating end of various fibrous lesions such as pleomorphic fibroma (PF), dermatofibroma, or angiofibroma is still controversial. High proliferating index of spindle cells in SF argues against the possibility of being a degenerating end product of another lesion.

METHODS

We studied morphological features and immunoprofile of eight SFs, in comparison with four PFs, one collagenized dermatofibroma, two angiofibromas, and two periungual fibromas. Immunostains for CD34, CD31, O13 (CD99), Factor XIIIa, S-100, CD68 (KP-1), and MIB-1 were carried out using a labeled streptavidin-biotin method with DAKO-automated immunostainer. Paraffin blocks of two SFs were reprocessed for electron microscopic studies. Clinical data of all patients with SF were also reviewed.

RESULTS

Spindle cells and pleomorphic cells in SF and PF showed diffuse immunoreactivity for CD34 and O13 but were negative for CD31, S-100, and CD68. Spindle cells in one dermatofibroma and one angiofibroma were positive for Factor XIIIa. Proliferating index (MIB-1) was very low in all cases of SF, contradicting some previous reports.

CONCLUSIONS

SF is a fibrotic lesion with cells positive for CD34 and O13. It shares a common immunoprofile with PF but is distinct from dermatofibroma and other common spindle cell lesions of skin. O13 expression in SF has not been previously described.

Pleomorphic sclerotic fibroma: a case report and literature review

Pleomorphic sclerotic fibroma is a benign neoplasm exhibiting features of sclerotic fibroma and pleomorphic fibroma. We report another such case. The tumor presented as a firm, 0.5-cm, flesh-colored papule on the forehead of a 72-year-old white man for an unknown duration. Histologic examination revealed a neoplasm in which the superficial portion showed features of a pleomorphic fibroma, the deeper portion showed features of a sclerotic fibroma, and a transitional area was present in between. We propose that pleomorphic fibroma, sclerotic fibroma, and pleomorphic sclerotic fibroma form a spectrum. Pleomorphic sclerotic fibroma may be used as a broad diagnostic term to encompass the spectrum.

Cowden's syndrome (multiple hamartoma and neoplasia syndrome): diagnostic dilemmas in three cases

Cowden's syndrome is a multisystem disease inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with incomplete penetrance and variable expression. The disease has typical oral manifestations which often precede more systemic involvement, and the dental professional is therefore well placed to institute a regime of regular checks to ensure early treatment of any neoplasms which may occur. However, since not all of the classical signs are present in all patients, diagnosis may be difficult. The case report of a patient with most of the features of Cowden's syndrome is presented and features compared with two other possible cases.

An overlap of Cowden's disease and Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome in the same family

We describe a family with the unusual association of Cowden's disease and Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome. The father has characteristic mucocutaneous features that are palmoplantar keratoses, multiple facial papules, oral papillomatoses, lipomas, and vitiligo with involvement of the thyroid and digestive tract. The son presents with pigmented macules of the penis, macrocephaly, and a lipoma that are typical for Bannaya-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome. Recent studies have demonstrated that these 2 diseases are allelic disorders at the PTEN locus on chromosome 10q.

Histopathologic and immunohistochemical diagnosis of benign and malignant fibrous and fibrohistiocytic tumors of the skin

This article describes the histopathology and immunohistochemistry of benign and malignant fibrous and fibrohistiocytic tumors. Some of the benign fibrohistiocytic proliferation's have atypical variants which could be misinterpreted as malignant processes. Key points for the diagnosis of these entities based on routine histology and immunohistochemistry are presented.

Cutaneous manifestations of cancer

The appearance of skin lesions in patients with occult or obvious malignancy may be of extreme value in the detection and management of cancer because the skin is readily accessible to examination and biopsy. Examination of the skin of our patients can provide important insights into underlying malignant processes or possible complications from cancer treatment. The range of cutaneous abnormalities is wide, and include cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes such as xanthomas, acanthosis nigricans, carcinoid syndrome, unusual erythematous eruptions such as erythema gyratum repens, and a number of genetic syndromes associated with malignancies and inherited dermatoses.

Cowden's syndrome, Lhermitte-Duclos disease, and sclerotic fibroma

The authors report a case of Lhermitte-Duclos disease, or dysplastic cerebellar gangliocytoma, in which a cutaneous sclerotic fibroma was found incidentally during the second resection of a recurrent cerebellar hamartoma. The association of Lhermitte-Duclos disease and sclerotic fibroma with Cowden's syndrome led to a dermatologic examination and confirmation of the diagnosis of Cowden's syndrome. The combination of both Lhermitte-Duclos disease and sclerotic fibroma with Cowden's syndrome has not previously been reported. A review of the 15 cases of Lhermitte-Duclos disease associated with Cowden's syndrome shows no significant gender predilection. Sclerotic fibromas, once thought to be specific for Cowden's syndrome, also are reviewed.

Giant cell collagenoma: a benign dermal tumor with distinctive multinucleate cells

We present five cases of a hitherto unreported cutaneous neoplasm. The tumors appeared as solitary slow-growing flesh-colored nodules arising in young and middle-aged adults. They were located on the trunk, the upper extremities, and the face, and did not recur after complete excision. Clinically, they were diagnosed as dermal nevus, Spitz's nevus, fibroma, or neurofibroma. Histology revealed polypoid flat-dome-shaped lesions with a sharply demarcated matrix consisting of coarse hyalinized collagen bundles arranged in a prominent storiform pattern and separated by mucin-containing clefts. Despite a low overall cellularity, the tumors contained numerous, occasionally bizarre-shaped, multinucleate giant cells with crowded vesicular nuclei and a pale staining foamy cytoplasm, as well as plump fibroblastlike cells with analogous nuclear morphology. Atypical nuclei or mitotic figures were not observed. The cells were strongly positive for vimentin but negative for cytokeratin, smooth muscle actin, desmin, S-100 protein, CD34, factor XIIIa, and the macrophage markers KP1, Mac 387, and Ki-M1p, suggesting a fibroblastic origin. Based on the overall architecture, we conclude that these tumors probably represent a distinctive variant of solitary circumscribed storiform collagenoma (sclerotic fibroma) and propose the designation of giant cell collagenoma.

Solitary sclerotic fibroma of the skin: a sclerotic dermatofibroma?

Two cases of solitary tumors showing well-demarcated hypocellular, dermal fibrocollagenous proliferations are reported. The lesions were composed of hyalinized eosinophilic collagen bundles arranged in the characteristic interwoven pattern with prominent clefts, as described in sclerotic fibroma of the skin. This pattern, although predominant, was not uniform. Some areas showed a more cellular pattern with histopathologic features suggestive of dermatofibroma. In those areas, multiple spindle-shaped cells and occasional multinucleated cells were observed. The collagen bundles did not adopt a whorled pattern, and the overlying epidermis showed mild acanthosis and elongation of the rete ridges. The sclerotic changes were present mainly at the periphery and in the deep areas of the tumor. Our observations confirm the possibility that solitary sclerotic fibroma of the skin may represent, at least in some instances, the later and sclerotic stage of other more cellular neoplasms (specifically dermatofibromas) rather than an individualized neoplasm, as has been recently proposed.

Early diagnosis of multiple hamartoma and neoplasia syndrome (Cowden disease). The role of the dentist

A typical case of Cowden disease is presented. This is rare mucocutaneous disease, genetically determined, with multiple organ system involvement in which a malignancy, particularly of breast and thyroid gland, may develop. The disease can be diagnosed in its early stages by gingival and cutaneous manifestations. We emphasize that the dentist may be the first health care professional who recognizes the syndrome, which is a crucial step to prevent and cure the predictable malignancy.

Laryngeal hamartoma: a rare congenital abnormality

Hamartoma is a rare congenital abnormality of the larynx that must be considered in the differential diagnosis of benign lesions of the larynx. Presenting symptoms may include changes in voice, eating, and activity levels, and respiratory complaints. We treated a 2 1/2-year-old boy with an 8-month history of upper airway compromise. Radiographic studies showed a rounded, right-sided, supraglottic soft tissue mass. Direct laryngoscopy revealed a well-mucosalized, encapsulated, firm 3 x 2.5-cm mass that originated from the right supraglottic structures. The mass was excised endoscopically. Histologic examination revealed a hamartoma. At 18 months, the patient has had an uneventful postoperative course.

Sclerotic fibroma: a fossil no longer

We report on a patient with a sclerotic fibroma that recurred 30 months after initial removal. The histologic features were characteristic, and immunoperoxidase stains using primary antibodies directed against cell proliferation markers were positive in a significant proportion of the neoplastic nuclei. A review of the literature identified one other sclerotic fibroma that persisted. These clinical and light microscopic features support the interpretation that sclerotic fibroma is a proliferating neoplasm with an unusual histologic pattern, rather than the end-stage of a process that was formerly more cellular. We advocate use of sclerotic fibroma as the preferred diagnostic term.

Cutaneous markers of internal malignancy. I. Malignant involvement of the skin and the genodermatoses

Cutaneous findings often reflect the presence and course of an internal disease. Recognition of external clues is important to facilitate both early diagnosis and prompt treatment of the internal disorder. Early recognition is especially valuable in a patient with an internal malignant disease because intervention may significantly affect survival. In this two-part series, we review the spectrum of cutaneous markers of internal malignancy. Part I focuses on malignant involvement of the skin caused by either direct extension or metastases and the genodermatoses with malignant potential. Part II will be devoted to the paraneoplastic skin manifestations of internal malignancy as well as environmental carcinogens that produce cutaneous features. We also discuss some proposed but controversial associations between skin disease and internal malignancy.

Cutaneous manifestations of thyroid disease

Cutaneous manifestations of thyroid disease are protean in nature and affect all age groups. This review focuses on normal thyroid gland physiology, specific cutaneous/thyroid lesions such as the thyroglossal duct cyst and metastatic thyroid malignancies, nonspecific cutaneous alterations of the hyperthyroid and hypothyroid states, and the numerous associations of thyroid disease with other cutaneous and/or systemic disorders.

Cutaneous manifestations of gastrointestinal disorders. Part I

This article reviews the cutaneous manifestations of gastrointestinal tract diseases. In part I, the gastrointestinal tract polyposis syndromes and gastrointestinal tract malignancies will be discussed. The cutaneous manifestations of inflammatory bowel disorders, vascular disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, celiac disease and bowel-associated dermatosis-arthritis syndrome will be discussed in part II. For each entity, a brief summary of the gastrointestinal tract (and other extracutaneous) manifestations is given. This is followed by a detailed discussion of the cutaneous signs. Current guidelines for the investigation and management of these diseases are presented.

Solitary sclerotic fibroma

A 63-year-old Chinese man with a solitary sclerotic fibroma on the abdomen is described. Skin biopsy showed a well-demarcated dermal nodule composed of hypocellular, eosinophilic collagen bundles separated by prominent clefts. Retrospective electron microscopic study revealed wide collagen bundles containing tightly packed collagen fibrils, only 50 nm in diameter. There were no signs of Cowden's disease. To our knowledge, this is the first report of electron microscopic study of sclerotic fibroma. A brief review of the literature is included.

Cowden's disease--treatment of cutaneous lesions using carbon dioxide laser vaporization: a comparison of conventional and superpulsed techniques

Cowden's disease is a genodermatosis associated with both cutaneous and visceral manifestations, including cancer. Trichilemmomas represent one of the benign cutaneous lesions associated with this syndrome and may be responsible for significant cosmetic disfigurement. Using the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in its vaporizational mode of operation, a patient with multiple trichilemmomas of the nose, previously unsuccessfully treated with multiple medical and surgical procedures, obtained excellent cosmetic results.

Sclerotic fibromas of the skin

Eleven cases of a peculiar, hyalinized, hypocellular dermal fibroma are reported. The lesions are characterized by epidermal atrophy, a whorled appearance of sclerotic collagen bundles separated by clefts containing mucin, and sharp demarcation of the lesions from the surrounding normal skin. They are small white or flesh-colored waxy papules. Multiple lesions of this type have been reported in the multiple hamartoma syndrome (Cowden's disease). We believe that the solitary lesions of these eleven patients who did not have Cowden's disease represent an unrecognized form of the same fibrous hamartoma that occurs in Cowden's disease.