Skin: A mirror of internal malignancy

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Cutaneous manifestations often reflect underlying systemic diseases.
• Skin conditions can be the sole presenting sign of internal malignancies.
• Internal cancers can trigger skin changes via immunological, metabolic, or metastatic pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the various skin manifestations associated with internal malignancies.
• To highlight the diagnostic significance of dermatoses in detecting hidden cancers.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies detailing cutaneous manifestations of internal cancers.
• Discussion of Curth's criteria for establishing a link between dermatosis and malignancy.

Main Results:

• Internal malignancies present with a wide spectrum of skin conditions.
• Specific dermatoses can be indicative of particular types of internal cancers.

Conclusions:

• Skin manifestations are crucial indicators of internal malignancies.
• Recognition of these cutaneous signs aids in early diagnosis and management of cancer.