[Muir-Torre syndrome]

The Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS) is a rare, autosomal-dominant inherited disease characterized by sebaceous gland tumors and at least one internal malignancy. In many cases a genetic defect known as microsatellite instability can be identified. Similar pathogenetic mechanisms are found in patients with the hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer syndrome, so that at least some patients with MTS are considered as having a phenotypic variant of that syndrome. A 66-year-old woman with MTS, developed multiple malignant cutaneous and visceral tumors over 32 years; in addition, she had multiple sebaceous gland adenomas. Microsatellite instability could be proved with 2 out of 5 studied markers. The family history was positive as numerous relatives of the patient's mother were reported to have developed internal malignancies.