Paraneoplastic pityriasis rubra pilaris in association with bronchogenic carcinoma

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is an uncommon dermatosis occasionally reported in association with an underlying malignancy. We report a 61-year-old woman in whom PRP preceded the diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma by approximately 11 months. The clinical picture in this case included atypical cutaneous signs and mucous membrane involvement. Curative treatment of the malignancy with radiotherapy led to resolution of the mucocutaneous changes within months. A presentation of PRP, particularly if atypical, or in an older patient, should prompt consideration of an associated internal malignancy.