Skin manifestations of internal malignancy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Internal malignancies can manifest with diverse cutaneous signs in the elderly.
• Paraneoplastic syndromes are a significant challenge in geriatric oncology.
• Identifying these associations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review major cutaneous signs and syndromes associated with internal malignancies in geriatric patients.
• To highlight paraneoplastic disorders and their link to specific tumor types.
• To emphasize the importance of dermatological examination in geriatric cancer detection.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on cutaneous manifestations of internal cancers in the geriatric population.
• Discussion of specific syndromes including cutaneous metastases, ectopic hormone production, and APUD cell tumors.
• Analysis of paraneoplastic disorders such as dermatomyositis, pruritus, Bazex's syndrome, and acanthosis nigricans.

Main Results:

• Cutaneous metastases, ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing syndromes, and APUD cell tumors are significant indicators.
• Paraneoplastic disorders like dermatomyositis, generalized pruritus, Bazex's syndrome, and acanthosis nigricans are frequently observed.
• Syndromes such as Bowen's disease, arsenical toxicity, Peutz-Jeghers', Gardner's, and Torre's syndromes indicate underlying systemic or organ-related carcinogens.

Conclusions:

• Dermatological signs are critical indicators of internal malignancies in the geriatric population.
• Recognition of these paraneoplastic syndromes can lead to earlier cancer diagnosis.
• A multidisciplinary approach involving oncology and dermatology is essential for managing geriatric patients with these conditions.