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Seborrheic keratoses of florid eruption.
Helen Gharwan1, Jeremy D Gradon
1Johns Hopkins University/Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Department of Internal Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA.
Case Reports in Oncology
|November 28, 2012
Summary
A sudden increase in itchy seborrheic keratoses in an elderly man signaled an underlying colon cancer. This case highlights the Leser-Trélat sign as a potential indicator of malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- The Leser-Trélat sign is characterized by the sudden onset or eruption of multiple seborrheic keratoses.
- It is often associated with underlying visceral malignancies.
Observation:
- A 79-year-old male presented with numerous pruritic seborrheic keratoses on his chest and back over one year.
- The patient's dermatological presentation prompted investigation for an occult malignancy.
Findings:
- Endoscopic examination revealed adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon.
- The patient's symptoms were attributed to the paraneoplastic Leser-Trélat sign.
Implications:
- The Leser-Trélat sign can be an important clinical indicator of gastrointestinal cancers.
- Early recognition of this dermatological sign may facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment of underlying cancers.
- This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach when encountering unusual cutaneous manifestations.
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