Malignant Down: Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa Acquisita Associated With Endometrial Adenocarcinoma

Skin changes often signal systemic disease. Hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita (HLA) is a well-recognized symptom of internal malignancy defined as the adult onset of colourless, fine, lanugo-type hairs. To our knowledge, only 5 cases of HLA associated with endometrial malignancy have been reported in the literature.

The objective of this report is to describe the clinical presentation of a patient with HLA associated with endometrial adenocarcinoma.

We report a patient presenting with atypical lanugo and weight loss who was diagnosed with HLA associated with endometrial adenocarcinoma. We summarize and critically review the 5 other known cases of endometrial malignancy associated with HLA reported in the literature.

The ectopic adult development of lanugo hair led to the diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis was made following computed tomography imaging and was confirmed by biopsy.

Continued vigilance and reporting of HLA will increase identification and understanding of this rare paraneoplastic condition. Family physicians should be aware of HLA.