Mucocutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes (MCPS). A clinical-pathologic review

Mucocutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes (MCPS) are a common group of dermatoses exhibiting a variable morphologic and pathologic picture which can occur in association with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies. In this review the Authors report the most important clinical characteristics and commonly associated malignancies of these dermatoses. Their identification is important because their superficial appearance and precocious arising are useful in the early diagnosis of an otherwise asymptomatic visceral malignancy and because differential diagnosis between skin metastases and malignancy-associated dermatoses is very important for a careful staging and management of the neoplasm. At the same time, MCPS may also be suggestive of the specific type of cancer present. Finally, the presence of a MCPS often carries grave oncologic implications. Once, therefore, the diagnosis of these dermatoses has been established, either an appropriate evaluation for an asymptomatic neoplasm in a cancer-free individual or an investigation for the recurrence of malignancy in an oncologic patient should be initiated.