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Living with Palmoplantar keratoderma-XX sex reversal-predisposition to squamous cell carcinoma syndrome

A rare genetic condition with thick skin on the palms and soles, a higher chance of skin cancer, and differences in sex development.

Understanding Palmoplantar keratoderma-XX sex reversal-predisposition to squamous cell carcinoma syndrome

Palmoplantar keratoderma-XX sex reversal-predisposition to squamous cell carcinoma syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects skin and sex development.

People have thick skin on the palms and soles and a higher chance of a skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Some people with two X chromosomes (46,XX) develop male characteristics, called sex reversal. GARD lists the onset as childhood.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Thick skin on palms and soles
  • Squamous cell skin cancer
  • Sex reversal (46,XX with male development)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists, hormone specialists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in RSPO1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

Care & treatment

Care team
Genetic specialists (geneticists); Hormone specialists (endocrinologists); Maternal-fetal medicine specialists (pregnancy-related); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Children's Skin Disease Foundation
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How often should I have my skin checked for cancer?
Which hormone or fertility specialists should be on my care team?
Would genetic testing for RSPO1 help other family members?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startChild
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesRSPO1

Changes in the RSPO1 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, which means a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

GeneticEndocrineSkinUrinary and Reproductive

Also known as: palmoplantar hyperkeratosis with squamous cell carcinoma of skin and sex reversal; palmoplantar hyperkeratosis-xx sex reversal-predisposition to squamous cell carcinoma syndrome

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Palmoplantar keratoderma-XX sex reversal-predisposition to squamous cell carcinoma syndromeGARD ID 16733 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Palmoplantar keratoderma-XX sex reversal-predisposition to squamous cell carcinoma syndrome.

Explore the Palmoplantar keratoderma-XX sex reversal-predisposition to squamous cell carcinoma syndrome blog

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