Background: Trichodiscoma is an uncommon benign tumor of the pilosebaceous system.
Case report: An 83-year-old man had a past history of adenomatous polyps of the colon. The subject's brother had died from cancer of the colon. Over the past 4 years, the patient had developed approximately 30 small asymptomatic papulonodular tumors on the trunk. Skin biopsy demonstrated trichodiscomas.
Discussion: Together with fibrofolliculomas and perifollicular fibromas, trichodiscomas are benign tumors of the pilosebaceous system. These different tumors may occur simultaneously as in Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome which associates trichodiscoma and familial colonic polyposis. This combination has only been reported in Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome or with perifollicular fibromas.
Conclusion: This case suggests that patients with hamartomas of the pilosebaceous system should undergo explorations in search for digestive tract polyposis.