Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Skin cancers associated with autoimmune conditions among elderly adults
1INSERM, U943, Paris, F-75013 France.
Background:
Immunosuppression is a risk factor for certain skin cancers. Autoimmune conditions can involve the skin, and may involve immunosuppressive therapies.
Methods:
We conducted a population-based case-control study among elderly US adults using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare-linked data of 44,613 skin cancer cases and 178,452 frequency-matched controls. Medicare claims identified autoimmune conditions. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) compared prevalence in cases and controls.
Results:
The most frequent autoimmune condition was rheumatoid arthritis (2.29%), which was associated with slightly increased risk of Merkel cell carcinoma (N=1977; OR (95%CI): 1.39 (1.10-1.74)). Risk of cutaneous non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (N=2652) was increased with psoriasis (OR (95%CI): 3.20 (2.62-3.92)). Risk of Kaposi's sarcoma (N=773) was elevated with ulcerative colitis (OR (95%CI): 2.76 (1.42-5.39)), and risk of other sarcomas (N=1324) was elevated with Graves disease (2.62 (1.30-5.31)).
Conclusions:
These findings suggest that immune disturbances in the skin, arising from autoimmune conditions or their treatment, promote development of skin cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Autoimmune Disorders
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Graves' Disease I: Introduction
