Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Enfermedad de Cowden
Cowden disease (KOW-den dih-ZEEZ)
An inherited disorder marked by the formation of many noncancerous growths called hamartomas. These growths occur in the skin, breast, thyroid, colon, intestines, and inside of the mouth. Patients with Cowden disease are at increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast and thyroid. Also called Cowden syndrome and multiple hamartoma syndrome.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.