Gastrointestinal polyposis syndromes

A number of interesting syndromes are now recognized in which gastrointestinal polyps and characteristic cutaneous findings coexist. Gardner's syndrome (familial adenomatous polyposis) and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, both autosomal dominant genodermatoses, are perhaps best known. Cronkhite-Canada syndrome is a rare acquired disease of adulthood in which gastrointestinal polyps and skin findings also define the syndrome. Colonic polyps are a variable finding in Cowden's disease. Muir-Torre syndrome, and neurofibromatosis. Nonetheless, recognition of the cutaneous lesions that accompany and sometimes precede the intestinal symptoms in these various syndromes may potentially hasten early, accurate diagnosis and aid in prevention of potentially life-threatening complications. Lastly, a newly described syndrome - the Ruvalcabe-Myhre-Smythe syndrome - is introduced, and the controversial topic of acrochordons and their relation to colonic polyps is discussed.