Tylosis and Intrathoracic Neoplasms

¹ Instructor, Department of Surgery
² Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery
³ Professor, Department of Dermatology

The relationship of tylosis (hyperkeratosis palmaris et plantaris) and intrathoracic neoplasms has been cited previously. Two cases are presented, one of whom exhibited the skin manifestations of tylosis coexisting with an extensive squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. The second patient demonstrated the skin lesions coexisting with bronchogenic carcinoma. Tylosis has been considered an hereditary cutaneous disorder which seems to be controlled by a single autosomal gene with high penetration and heterozygos effect. The physical findings of tylosis should alert the physician to the possibility of intrathoracic neoplasms as this association is now well documented.