Paraneoplastic dermatological manifestation of gastrointestinal malignancies

Abstract

Numerous dermatological disorders have been associated with underlining malignancies of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Such cutaneous manifestations might have an important diagnostic value if they are the sole expressions of otherwise asymptomatic carcinomas. The recognition of some typical paraneoplastic dermatologic disorders can lead to the prompt diagnosis of the underlying malignancy, timely administration of therapy, and ultimately, better prognosis. In this review we discuss the most common paraneoplastic dermatological syndromes from the perspective of the practicing gastroenterologist. We also outline a comprehensive practical approach for the evaluation for occult malignancy in patients presenting with cutaneous findings potentially associated with GI cancers.

Figure 1

Hyperpigmented papillomatous plaques in left axial of a male patient with acanthosis nigricans.

Figure 2

“Tripe palms” keratoderma on the palms of the same patient.

Figure 3

Multiple eruptive seborrheic keratoses on the trunk of a 66-year-old patient with rectal adenocarcinoma.

Figure 4

Periorbital heliotrope erythema and edema in a patient with paraneoplastic dermatomyositis.

Figure 5

Violaceous plaques with erosions on the trunk of a patient with paraneoplastic pemphigus.