Dermatomyositis and coexistent ovarian cancer: a review of the compounding clinical problems

Although the nature of the relationship of dermatomyositis and malignancy is debated, the clinical implications of their coexistence is considerable. This review details the clinical and laboratory diagnostic features of the dermatomyositis (DM). Two case reports serve to focus on the unique management problems faced by the gynecologic oncologist when DM is associated with ovarian malignancy. Cricopharyngeal achalasia, an unusual aberration of DM, complicated the course of both patients.