Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes

Paraneoplastic syndromes are caused by hormones or other substances produced by cancer cells and may be the first sign of cancer. A wide range of paraneoplastic syndromes, including endocrine, neurologic, and cutaneous disorders, occurs in patients with cancer. More than 30 cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes have been identified; this article reviews some of the more common syndromes--acanthosis nigricans, Paget's Disease, acquired ichthyosis, telangiectasia, hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita, erythroderma, Bazex's Syndrome, and necrotizing migratory erythema. When these syndromes are diagnosed during the course of a malignancy, professional caregivers may misinterpret them as indicative of metastatic disease or other disorders and patients may be misdiagnosed and not receive optimal treatment. Paraneoplastic syndromes also compromise quality of life by often causing skin impairment and discomfort. Therefore, nurses must be aware of the signs and symptoms of these cutaneous disorders and know how to care for patients with paraneoplastic syndromes.