A new study published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal aimed to determine the pattern of specific and non-specific dermatosis associated with internal malignancy.

The present study enrolled 150 patients with internal malignancies with skin lesions visiting dermatology and oncology departments between 2020 and 2021. The skin, hair and nails of all patients were clinically examined; photographs were taken for assessment. 

The majority of patients belonged to the age-range 41 to 60 years. The most common malignancy (internal) was breast carcinoma – 28.67% of the cases. Specific dermatosis – vasculitis, lymphocytoma cutis, necrolytic migratory erythema and growth and cutaneous metastasis, accounted for 3.33% of the cases. Non-specific dermatosis was found in 80.66% of the cases – the most common being herpes zoster in 11.33% of cases. 

The findings underscored the specific and non-specific dermatoses that were linked to internal malignancies. The results could have important implications for the management of these lesions. 

Source: Tandel J, Polra R, Parmar D, et al. An observational study of cutaneous manifestations in internal malignancy at tertiary care centre. Indian Dermatol Online J.2020;13(4):466-74.