Overview
Multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma, also known as Ferguson-Smith disease or Ferguson-Smith type self-healing squamous epithelioma (MSSE), is a rare inherited skin condition. People with this disease develop multiple skin tumors that look and behave like a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. However, what makes this condition unique is that these tumors usually heal on their own without treatment — they grow for a few weeks or months, then shrink and disappear, leaving behind a scar. The tumors typically appear on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, neck, hands, and arms. They usually start as small, firm bumps that grow quickly, develop a crater-like center filled with a hard plug of skin cells, and then slowly resolve on their own. New tumors can keep appearing throughout a person's life, often starting in young adulthood. While the tumors themselves are not cancerous in the traditional sense — meaning they do not spread to other parts of the body — they can be painful, disfiguring, and emotionally distressing. Treatment is available for people who want to reduce the number of tumors or speed up healing. Options include surgical removal, laser therapy, and medications such as retinoids. Regular monitoring by a dermatologist is important to make sure no true skin cancers develop, as people with this condition may have a slightly higher risk of developing actual squamous cell carcinoma over time.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Multiple skin tumors that grow and then heal on their ownTumors with a crater-like center filled with a hard plug of dead skin cellsTumors appearing mainly on sun-exposed skin like the face, hands, and armsRapid growth of tumors over weeks to monthsScarring left behind after tumors healPain or tenderness around active tumorsRecurring new tumors appearing throughout lifeSkin changes that may look like skin cancer but behave differentlyCosmetic disfigurement from multiple scars
Autosomal dominant
Passed on from just one parent; each child has about a 50% chance of inheriting it
Juvenile
Begins in the teen years
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How can I tell the difference between a self-healing tumor and a true skin cancer that needs urgent treatment?,Should I have genetic testing, and should my family members be tested too?,What sun protection measures are most important for me?,Are retinoids or other medications right for my situation, and what are the risks?,How often should I have skin checks, and what should I watch for between appointments?,Is there any increased risk of other types of cancer I should know about?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could participate in?
Common questions about Multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma
What is Multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma?
Multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma, also known as Ferguson-Smith disease or Ferguson-Smith type self-healing squamous epithelioma (MSSE), is a rare inherited skin condition. People with this disease develop multiple skin tumors that look and behave like a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. However, what makes this condition unique is that these tumors usually heal on their own without treatment — they grow for a few weeks or months, then shrink and disappear, leaving behind a scar. The tumors typically appear on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, neck, h
How is Multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma inherited?
Multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma typically begin?
Typical onset of Multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma is juvenile. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.