Leser–Trélat sign

System: Skin & Nail Signs · All skin & nail signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

The sudden eruption of many itchy seborrhoeic keratoses (warty, stuck-on growths) over a short period.

What a positive finding suggests

Reported as associated with an internal cancer, especially of the stomach and gut, though the association is debated because both are common with age.

◈ Behind the name

Edmund Leser (1828–1916), German surgeon, and Ulysse Trélat (1828–1890), French surgeon.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.