Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Epidermal manifestations of internal malignancy
Rachael L Moore1, Theresa S Devere
1Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3303 SW Bond Avenue, CH16D, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
Dermatologic Clinics
|November 21, 2007
Summary
This article reviews paraneoplastic syndromes affecting the epidermis. These skin conditions are associated with internal cancers and include malignant acanthosis nigricans and Leser-Trélat sign.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Paraneoplastic syndromes are systemic disorders linked to malignancies.
- Cutaneous manifestations can be early indicators of underlying cancer.
- Epidermal changes are a specific subset of these dermatologic signs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss paraneoplastic syndromes with epidermal findings.
- To highlight specific dermatologic conditions associated with cancer.
- To review diagnostic and clinical correlations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of paraneoplastic syndromes.
- Focus on conditions with epidermal localization.
- Discussion of key clinical features and associations.
Main Results:
- Several epidermal paraneoplastic syndromes are presented.
- Examples include malignant acanthosis nigricans, Leser-Trélat sign, tripe palms, palmoplantar keratodermas, Bazex syndrome, and acquired ichthyosis.
- Correlation between skin findings and malignancy is generally observed.
Conclusions:
- Epidermal paraneoplastic syndromes are important markers of internal malignancy.
- Recognition of these skin findings aids in early cancer diagnosis.
- Further research into pathogenesis and management is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Introduction to the Integumentary System
The integumentary system is the organ system that comprises the skin and its associated structures. It is the largest system in the human body and plays a crucial role in protecting and maintaining homeostasis. The integumentary system serves several functions including protection, regulation, sensation, and secretion.
The skin, which is the primary organ of the integumentary system, consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis is the...
The skin, which is the primary organ of the integumentary system, consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis is the...
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
The skin is divided into epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, the skin's outermost, middle, and inner layers. The human epidermal layer regularly undergoes renewal, where old, dead cells are replaced by new cells. Epidermal stem cells or EpiSCs divide and differentiate to restore the lost cells. For the renewal process, some EpiSCs continuously self-renew. In contrast, few others differentiate into transit-amplifying cells, which later form prickle or spinous cells, followed by granular cells,...
Cells of the Epidermis
The epidermis is made of four or five layers of epithelial cells, depending on its location in the body. From deep to superficial, these layers are the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
Pigmentation
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
