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Myositis and malignancy: is there a true association?
Hospital Medicine (London, England : 1998)
|April 10, 1999
Summary
Polymyositis and dermatomyositis may be linked to cancer, occurring in 2.5% to 29% of patients. This study reviews two cases and existing research on this association.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.
- An association between these conditions and malignancy has been suggested.
- The reported frequency of cancer in these patients varies widely.
Observation:
- Two cases are presented: one with polymyositis and colorectal carcinoma, the other with dermatomyositis and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- These cases highlight the potential link between inflammatory myopathies and specific cancers.
Findings:
- Cancer incidence in polymyositis/dermatomyositis patients ranges from 2.5% to 29%.
- Relative risk for malignancy in these patients is estimated between 1.0 and 6.5.
- Existing controlled studies on this association are reviewed.
Implications:
- Increased cancer surveillance may be warranted in patients diagnosed with polymyositis or dermatomyositis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms connecting these conditions.
- Early detection of malignancy in patients with inflammatory myopathies can improve outcomes.