Tripe palms

Tripe palms
Synonyms	Acanthosis palmaris
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Velvety thickening of the palms
Complications	Associated with malignancy
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Persistent
Types	N/A
Causes	Often associated with internal malignancy, especially gastric cancer
Risks	Smoking, obesity, genetic predisposition
Diagnosis	Clinical diagnosis, biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Acanthosis nigricans, palmoplantar keratoderma
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Treat underlying condition, keratolytics, retinoids
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Depends on underlying cause
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Tripe palms, also known as acanthosis palmaris, is a rare skin condition characterized by thickened, velvety palms that resemble tripe, the stomach lining of beef, pork, or sheep. It is often associated with internal malignancies, particularly lung and gastric cancers.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of tripe palms is the development of thick, velvety skin on the palms of the hands. This skin may be wrinkled and have a similar appearance to tripe, hence the name. Other symptoms may include:

• Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin)
• Pruritus (itching)
• Pain or discomfort in the palms

Causes

Tripe palms is often associated with internal malignancies, particularly lung cancer and gastric cancer. It can also occur in association with other skin conditions, such as acanthosis nigricans.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tripe palms is primarily based on the characteristic appearance of the palms. Additional tests may be performed to identify any underlying malignancies, such as:

• Biopsy of the skin
• Imaging studies such as CT or MRI
• Blood tests to check for markers of cancer

Treatment

Treatment of tripe palms primarily involves addressing the underlying malignancy. This may involve:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery

In some cases, treatment of the underlying malignancy can lead to improvement or resolution of the tripe palms. Topical treatments, such as retinoids, may also be used to help manage the skin symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for tripe palms depends on the underlying malignancy. If the malignancy is successfully treated, the tripe palms may improve or resolve completely.

See also

• Acanthosis nigricans
• Paraneoplastic syndromes