An Observational Study of Cutaneous Manifestations in Internal Malignancy at Tertiary Care Centre

Skin is the largest organ in the human body and mirrors the changes in the organism it envelops. Internal malignancies can cause various specific and non-specific cutaneous manifestations along with hair, nail and oral mucosal changes. Some of the changes are detected early indicating a strong association with cancer, while some occur in later stage indicating dissemination or immunosuppression. The present study is an effort to know pattern of dermatosis associated with internal malignancies so that early diagnosis and interventions can be done.

To determine the pattern of specific and non-specific dermatosis associated with internal malignancy.

Patients of internal malignancies with skin lesions attending dermatology and oncology department during July 2020 to June 2021 were recruited in the study after taking written informed consent. A detailed history of skin lesions and malignancies were taken. Clinical examination (skin/hair/nail) was carried out and photographs were taken. Relevant investigations were carried out. Frequency and percentage of dermographic data and dermatosis associated with internal malignancies were calculated.

The study included 150 patients with maximum number of patients 78 (52%) in 41-60 years of age group with female: male ratio of 1.2:1. Most common internal malignancy was breast carcinoma in 43 (28.67%) cases. Specific dermatosis were seen in 5 (3.33%) cases and non-specific dermatosis in 121 (80.66%) cases. Specific dermatosis were vasculitis, necrolytic migratory erythema, lymphocytoma cutis, growth and cutaneous metastasis with 1 (0.67%) patient each. Most common non-specific dermatosis was herpes zoster in 17 (11.33%) cases.

The study was useful in understanding the various specific and non specific dermatosis associated with internal malignancies and thereby helping the physician to manage the conditions.