EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF MULTIPLE HAMARTOMA AND NEOPLASIA SYNDROME (COWDEN DISEASE) - THE ROLE OF THE DENTIST

A typical case of Cowden disease is presented. This is a rare mucocuta neous disease, genetically determined, with multiple organ system invo lvement in which a malignancy, particularly of breast and thyroid glan d, may develop. The disease can be diagnosed in its early stages by gi ngival and cutaneous manifestations. We emphasize that the dentist may be the first health care professional who recognizes the syndrome, wh ich is a crucial step to prevent and cure the predictable malignancy.