Palmoplantar tylosis is a focal non epidermolytic palmoplantar hyperkeratosis and is associated with a very high lifetime risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (OSCC). It is generally inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with complete penetrance involving the RHBDF2 gene located on 17q25.1. The data regarding endoscopic appearance of the mucosa in patients with tylosis before development of cancer is limited. Surveillance endoscopy is recommended in family members which include annual esophagogastroscopy with biopsy of suspicious lesion with quadratic biopsies from upper, middle and lower esophagus. We describe characteristic endoscopy findings in a tylosis with no evidence of cancer. Prospective documentation of endoscopic findings of similar mucosal changes and disease process to establish a better screening protocol and supplemental intervention with agents like carotenoids (beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin) may delay the progression and possibly revert to normal.
Keywords: Endoscopy; Esophageal cancer; Tylosis.