Pagrindinis > Skin diseases > Paraneoplastic dermatological manifestation of gastrointestinal malignancies

Paraneoplastic dermatological manifestation of gastrointestinal malignancies

Acne, what is it
Paraneoplastic dermatological manifestation – rare disorders resulting from the immune system’s response to a cancerous process (neoplasia) in the body. Gastrointestinal neoplasms more often cause paraneoplastic syndromes affecting the skin.

Possible skin lesions:

  • Acanthosis nigricans
  • Florid papillomatosis
  • Necrolytic Migratory Erythema
  • Palmoplantar keratoderma
  • Pancreatic panniculitis
  • Paraneoplastic acrokeratosis
  • Pityriasis rotunda

Clinical Symptoms

Paraneoplastic acrokeratosis (otherwise known as Bazex syndrome) – lesions similar to psoriasis or eczema are characteristic scaly patches of purple hue. Nail damage is also possible.

Localization:

  • Hands, feet, knees, ears, nose and cheeks
  • May be around the nails or damage to the nails themselves
Paraneoplastic acrokeratosis (otherwise known as Bazex syndrome)

Acanthosis nigricans:characteristic pigmented, velvety textured plaques (larger areas of palpable skin bumps)

Localization:

  • Typically on bending surfaces
  • Other places: back of the neck, armpits, groin
Acanthosis nigricans

Necrolytic Migratory Erythema: characterized by migrating annular erythema (ring-shaped red spot), may be accompanied by lesions of the superficial skin layer and scabs.

Localization:

  • Body folds – in the torso, groin, buttocks, thighs
  • May be around the mouth area
Necrolytic Migratory Erythema

Florid papillomatosis

sudden onset is characterized by abundant papillomas (warts) resembling viral warts. Growths are small in size (1-3 mm in diameter), with time they spread to other areas of the body. Itching occurs in 50% of cases.

Localization:hands, feet, knees, ears, nose and cheeks.

Florid papillomatosis
Pityriasis rotunda:characteristic oval-shaped, pigmented areas with scales.

  • Pink or light brown in color
  • Hyperpigmented (darker than skin color) – if the skin is dark. Hypopigmented (lighter than skin color) – if the skin is light.

Localization: torso and limbs

Pityriasis rotunda
Palmoplantar keratoderma: manifests as unevenly distributed, focal or punctate hyperkeratosis (keratosis due to abnormal accumulation of keratin).
Localization: palms and soles
Palmoplantar keratoderma
Pancreatic panniculitis: characterized by purple or reddened nodules and plaques (larger, palpable bumps on the skin) in the deeper layer of the skin. It may spontaneously ulcerate.

Localization: legs, torso, buttocks

Pancreatic panniculitis
Diagnostics

Certain criteria are used to assess whether the skin disease is a paraneoplastic syndrome:

  • Neoplasia and paraneoplasia begin at the same or similar time
  • Parallel course of conditions (as the tumor mass decreases, skin damage also decreases or vice versa)
  • Signs of a skin condition are not part of a genetic syndrome
  • A certain malignancy is associated with a certain paraneoplastic skin disease
  • A rare prevalence of skin disease in the general population
  • A frequent association between neoplasia and paraneoplasia
Treatment

The doctor personally prepares the most suitable treatment plan for each patient depending on the specific manifestation of the paraneoplastic syndrome and the underlying cancer. The main method of treatment is to remove the neoplasia that caused the paraneoplastic syndrome. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other malignancy-specific treatment methods. Treatment that suppresses specific symptoms may help to improve the overall condition.

If you are unsure about your diagnosis and over-the-counter remedies from the pharmacy don’t help – seek help from a dermatologist!
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iDerma

MB iDerma
Fabijoniškės g. 99, Vilnius
+370 670 70822
info@iderma.lt