COCKAYNE1 has reported that the occurrence of steatocystoma multiplex is rare. In 1937 Ingram and Oldfield2 reported that there were on record only five families in which several members in different generations had multiple sebaceous cysts. Subsequently the incidence in additional families has been reported. Ingram and Oldfield reported the incidence of the disease in an additional family, involving 5 members in three generations, in which 1 member had numerous swellings on her face and chest. Her daughter was free of this condition, but her son showed several cysts on his forehead and scalp. Of the son's 7 children (5 sons and 2 daughters), 2 sons and 1 daughter had sebaceous cysts. The other 4 children did not have cysts.
Sachs3 reported a family of 13 in which 2 sisters and 3 brothers were known to have multiple sebaceous cysts. Two other living members of the family