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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

Published on: August 9, 2024

Malignant acanthosis nigricans with occult primary.

Moly Thomas¹, S Radhakrishnan, Beena Sunny

¹Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical College, Kottayarn-686 008, India.

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology

|July 28, 2007

Summary

This case report details a patient with malignant acanthosis nigricans, a skin condition indicating internal cancer. Despite a 2-year duration, the patient was asymptomatic, revealing widespread adenocarcinoma metastasis from an unknown primary site.

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Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

Published on: August 9, 2024

Area of Science:

Dermatology
Oncology
Pathology

Background:

Malignant acanthosis nigricans is a rare cutaneous manifestation associated with internal malignancy.
It often presents as a velvety, hyperpigmented skin thickening, particularly in intertriginous areas.
Other cutaneous markers like acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa and florid cutaneous papillomatosis can also signal underlying cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

To report a case of generalized malignant acanthosis nigricans.
To highlight the association of this dermatologic sign with advanced adenocarcinoma of unknown primary.
To emphasize the importance of investigating cutaneous markers for occult malignancies.

Main Methods:

Case presentation and clinical description.
Review of patient's medical history and diagnostic investigations.
Pathological examination of skin lesions and metastatic tissue.

Main Results:

A 2-year history of generalized malignant acanthosis nigricans was observed.
The patient remained asymptomatic despite extensive metastasis.
Investigations confirmed mucin-secreting signet cell adenocarcinoma with widespread dissemination from an unknown primary.
Associated findings included acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa and florid cutaneous papillomatosis.

Conclusions:

Generalized malignant acanthosis nigricans, even when asymptomatic and long-standing, necessitates thorough investigation for internal malignancy.
Signet cell adenocarcinoma from an unknown primary can manifest with multiple cutaneous markers.
Cutaneous signs like acanthosis nigricans, hypertrichosis lanuginosa, and papillomatosis serve as critical indicators for underlying cancers.