The skin frequently serves as a marker for underlying internal disease. The type of lesion typically relates to a specific disease or type of disease.
(See also Evaluation of the Dermatologic Patient.)
Internal Cancer
Patients with dermatomyositis who are over age 40 have an increased risk of breast, lung, ovarian, and gastrointestinal cancers.
Photo provided by Thomas Habif, MD.
Photo courtesy of Karen McKoy, MD.
Acute onset of multiple seborrheic keratoses (Leser-Trélat sign) may indicate underlying internal cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma. However, because of the high prevalence of seborrheic keratoses in healthy adults, this sign may be overdiagnosed.
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Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet syndrome) is sometimes associated with hematologic cancer.
Acanthosis nigricans that is associated with cancer can be of rapid onset and particularly widespread. Acquired ichthyosis or pruritus without a clearly associated dermatitis may indicate occult cancer, often lymphoma.
Photos provided by Thomas Habif, MD.
Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a relatively rare autoimmune blistering disease that has been associated with various cancers, including leukemias.
Carcinoid syndrome (flushing and erythema of the neck) is associated with carcinoid tumor.
Erythema gyratum repens is a rare eruption consisting of concentric erythematous lesions, resembling wood grain, which has been associated with various cancers.
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Endocrinopathies
Many skin findings are associated with endocrinopathies but are not specific.
Patients with diabetes mellitus may have acanthosis nigricans, necrobiosis lipoidica, perforating disorders, and scleredema (hard, thick skin, typically on the upper back, neck, and shoulders).
Photo provided by Thomas Habif, MD.
Thyroid disease, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can affect hair, nails, and skin.
Cushing syndrome causes striae distensae, moon facies, and skin fragility.
Addison disease is characterized by hyperpigmentation that is accentuated in skin creases and areas of trauma.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders
Skin conditions commonly associated with GI disorders include
Pyoderma gangrenosum: Inflammatory bowel disease
Lichen planus and porphyria cutanea tarda: Hepatitis C infection
Diffuse hyperpigmentation in patients with diabetes (known as bronze diabetes): Hemochromatosis
Erythema nodosum: Inflammatory bowel disease, sarcoidosis, and various infections
Eruptive xanthomas: Elevated serum triglycerides
Photo provided by Thomas Habif, MD.
Photo provided by Thomas Habif, MD.
