[Cowden's disease or the multiple hamartoma syndrome]

Cowden's disease, also called multiple hamartoma syndrome, is a clinical entity characterized by hamartomatous tumours of endodermal, mesodermal and ectodermal origin. Although extremely rare, the disease must be known to all internists. A case of Cowden's disease in a 36-year old male patient is reported. The authors insist on the high incidence of digestive disorders and the risk of malignant degeneration of mammary and thyroid tumours. They also describe the cutaneous and mucosal lesions characteristic of the disease.