Multiple Sclerosis. Hyperkeratosis of Palms and Soles. Multiple Multicentric Superficial Basal-Cell Epitheliomas, Secondary to Ingestion of Arsenic. Presented by Dr. John S. Strauss.
A white man, aged 43, has had a generalized dermatosis of 10 years' duration. He also has multiple sclerosis. About 10 years ago he noted warty growths on the palms and soles. Three years ago he noticed lesions on the shoulders and scalp, which, on biopsy, proved to be multicentric superficial basal-cell epitheliomas. Biopsy of a plantar lesion revealed hyperkeratosis, and that of a palmar growth demonstrated hyperkeratosis with features suggesting premalignancy. All biopsied lesions were treated by electrodesiccation in December, 1957.During the past year two new lesions developed on the back and right temporal area. These were basal-cell tumors, and were similarly treated.There is no history of ingestion of arsenic, by name. However, the patient admits to a lifelong habit of picking and eating apples directly from