Alimentary tract lesions in Cowden's disease

Cowden's disease was first recognized by its striking dermatological manifestations and subsequently by the increased incidence of neoplastic involvement of the thyroid and breast. Two cases of Cowden's disease with gastrointestinal polyps are presented to illustrate the alimentary tract involvement in this syndrome, gastrointestinal tract involvement with polyposis being seen in at least 50% of cases. As opposed to the more serious potential of neoplasia in the thyroid and breast, involvement of the alimentary tract has negligible clinical impact to the patient.