Pharyngeal-Esophageal Malignancies with Dermatologic Paraneoplastic Syndrome

Systemic changes often send signals to the skin, and certain neoplastic diseases of the internal organs can also trigger skin manifestations. In this article, the authors make clinical photography presentations of the patients seen at our clinic with dermatologic paraneoplastic syndromes within pharyngeal–esophageal malignancies, describe several paraneoplastic dermatoses, and also review high-quality scientific literature in order to be able to highlight the dermatological signs of pharyngoesophageal malignant tumors. The majority of our patients with paraneoplastic dermatoses, filtering for pharyngoesophageal malignancies, had esophageal neoplasms, out of whom seven were female and two were male, making esophageal cancer more common within the paraneoplastic dermatoses within pharyngoesophageal malignancies. An early recognition of paraneoplastic dermatoses can diagnose neoplasms and sequentially contribute to a better prognosis for the patient. This matter is also useful for front-line medical personnel in order to improve early diagnosis of the underlying malignancy, curative interventions with prompt therapy administration and good prognosis.

Eruptive Seborrheic Keratoses Are Associated With a Co-Occurring Malignancy in the Majority of Reported Cases: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Eruptive seborrheic keratoses (ESK) is a benign skin condition that has been associated with malignant and nonmalignant diseases. We conducted a systematic review of reported cases of ESK to identify and summarize associated comorbidities.

METHODS

MEDLINE and Embase were searched from database inception (1946) to July 31, 2020 for original articles describing ESK with or without a co-occurring condition. Subject demographics, as well as details of ESK and associated diagnoses were extracted from 76 articles (70 case reports, 3 case series, 3 case control studies) representing 92 patients.

RESULTS

In total, 76.1% (n = 70/92) of patients with ESK had a co-occurring malignancy, 4.3% (n = 4/92) presented with a nonmalignant condition, 9.8% (n = 9/92) experienced ESK as an adverse drug reaction, and 9.8% (n = 9/92) did not report any underlying medical condition. ESK preceded a cancer diagnosis in 76.1% (n = 70/92) of patients with a mean latency period of 4.0 months (range: 0.25-9 months). The most common malignancies associated with ESK were cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (n = 10/70, 14.3%) and gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma (n = 9/70, 12.9%). ESK preceded nonmalignant conditions or no disease in 14.1% (n = 13/92) of patients with a mean latency period of 3.1 months (range: 0.75-6 months). Drug-induced ESK occurred in 9.8% (n = 9/92) of patients with a mean latency period of 7.1 weeks after changing medication.

CONCLUSION

Although the role of ESK as a paraneoplastic cutaneous marker is debated, healthcare providers should consider screening for underlying malignancy in patients presenting with ESK. Larger studies are needed to confirm its role as a marker for disease.

The leser-trelat sign in association with carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater

A 45-yr-old woman was admitted to our hospital for surgical treatment of obstructive jaundice. She was treated by a standard pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure). The biopsy of the specimen disclosed an adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Six months before the appearance of the obstructive jaundice, she noted a sudden onset of many seborrheic keratoses on the upper part of her trunk and upper extremities. This, to our knowledge, is the first case of Leser-Trelat sign associated with adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater.

Sign of Leser-Trélat

The sign of Leser-Trélat is rare. It is defined as the sudden eruption of multiple seborrheic keratoses caused by a malignancy. Because both seborrheic keratoses and cancer are common in the elderly, it is not always easy to tell from the literature or in any given patient if this sign is present. In fact, its validity has been questioned. Its association with malignant acanthosis nigricans is one of several of its features that support its legitimacy as a true paraneoplastic disorder.