Nonfamilial diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma associated with bronchial carcinoma

New onset of multiple keratoacanthomas and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis caused by the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma with a new generation multi-kinase inhibitor

The use of new generation multi-kinase inhibitors for the treatment of various malignancies has brought unique and previously unrecognised cutaneous reactions to the attention of dermatologists. We report the case of a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who presented to our dermatology clinic with eruptive squamous cell carcinomas with keratoacanthomatous features and painless palmoplantar hyperkeratosis while taking sorafenib (Nexavar). Dermatological toxicity from sorafenib has been well described in the literature. Herein we describe a combination of unusual symptoms due to sorafenib.

Capecitabine-induced diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma: is it a sequential event of hand-foot syndrome?

Capecitabine was developed as a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (FU), with the goal of improving tolerability and intratumour drug concentrations through tumour-specific conversion to the active drug against numerous types of neoplasms. The most frequent adverse cutaneous reaction associated with capecitabine is hand foot syndrome (HFS), presented with symmetrical erythema, dysaesthesia, and desquamation on the palms and soles. Acquired palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) can occur in various dermatoses associated with metabolic abnormalities, malignancies, and toxic agents. However, there has been no report of PPK after capecitabine chemotherapy. We report two cases of diffuse PPK, which developed in patients with metastatic breast cancer after one cycle of capecitabine chemotherapy. Because oral capecitabine is increasingly used for various solid tumours, clinicians should be aware that keratoderma can develop during capecitabine chemotherapy as a sequential event of HFS.

Acquired palmoplantar keratoderma

Palmoplantar keratodermas (PPKs) are a diverse entity of disorders that are characterized by abnormal thickening of the skin on the palms and soles. Traditionally they have been classified as either hereditary or acquired and are distinguished from each other on the basis of mode of inheritance, presence of transgrediens (defined as contiguous extension of hyperkeratosis beyond the palmar and/or plantar skin), co-morbidities with other symptoms, and extent of epidermal involvement, namely diffuse, focal, and punctate. As the terms hyperkeratosis and keratoderma have been used interchangeably throughout the literature, we define acquired keratoderma as a non-hereditary, non-frictional hyperkeratosis of the palms and/or soles that involves >/=50% of the surface of involved acral areas and that may or may not be associated with clinical and histologic inflammation. Given the numerous possible underlying causes for acquired PPKs, evaluation of patients presenting with acquired PPK can be a perplexing task. To facilitate such evaluations, this review categorizes the acquired PPKs as: keratoderma climactericum, drug related, malnutrition associated, chemically induced, systemic disease related, malignancy associated, dermatoses related, infectious, and idiopathic. In order to avoid the possibility of overlooking an underlying etiology and to eliminate excessive testing, we present an algorithm for assessing patients presenting with acquired PPK. The first step should include a comprehensive history and a physical examination, including a complete skin examination. If findings are consistent with a hereditary keratoderma, then a genetics consultation should be considered. Any findings suggestive of underlying conditions should be aggressively evaluated and treated. If no pertinent findings are identified after a history and a physical examination, laboratory and radiology studies should be undertaken in a systematic, logical fashion. In terms of treatment, the most successful results occur when the underlying etiology is diagnosed and treated. If no such etiology is evident, then conservative treatment options include topical keratolytics (urea, salicylic acid, lactic acid), repeated physical debridement, topical retinoids, topical psoralen plus UVA, and topical corticosteroids. Etretinate and acitretin have also shown some success as alternative treatments in recalcitrant cases.

Multiple myeloma in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, myasthenia gravis and non-familial diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma

The coexistence of autoimmune diseases and malignancies including lymphoproliferative diseases is often reported in the literature. Here we report an unusual case with two autoimmune diseases--myasthenia gravis (MG) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with unique palmoplantar keratoderma (PK) which preceded the development of multiple myeloma (MM) for twenty and seven years respectively. MG associated with non-malignant thymoma developed in 1981 and was successfully treated with thymectomy and physostigmine. Thirteen years later SLE was diagnosed and until now it is also accompanied by skin lesions corresponding to non-familial, diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma which is resistant to treatment. In 2001 the patient revealed inguinal and abdominal lymphadenopathy first diagnosed as extramedullary plasmacytoma and then as multiple myeloma on the basis of bone marrow infiltration and monoclonal gammopathy. Therapy with VAD regimen achieved complete remission of the MM and significant improvement of the skin changes lasting for six months. We failed to collect sufficient numbers of CD 34+ cells for peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Now the malignancy is in partial remission after CHOP therapy and the skin lesions have returned to their initial status. To our knowledge, this is the first case to be reported with coexistence of these four diseases.

Cutaneous manifestations of cancer

The appearance of skin lesions in patients with occult or obvious malignancy may be of extreme value in the detection and management of cancer because the skin is readily accessible to examination and biopsy. Examination of the skin of our patients can provide important insights into underlying malignant processes or possible complications from cancer treatment. The range of cutaneous abnormalities is wide, and include cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes such as xanthomas, acanthosis nigricans, carcinoid syndrome, unusual erythematous eruptions such as erythema gyratum repens, and a number of genetic syndromes associated with malignancies and inherited dermatoses.

Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes in solid tumors

OBJECTIVE

To provide an overview of the clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and oncologic implications of the cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes that occur predominantly in patients with solid tumors.

METHODS

A review was performed of the literature identified by a comprehensive MEDLINE search.

RESULTS

Diverse cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes may be associated with underlying tumors. They include musculoskeletal disorders (clubbing, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, dermatomyositis, and multicentric reticulohistiocytosis), reactive erythemas (erythema gyratum repens and necrolytic migratory erythema), vascular dermatoses (Trousseau's syndrome), papulosquamous disorders (acanthosis nigricans, tripe palms, palmar hyperkeratosis, acquired ichthyosis, pityriasis rotunda, Bazex's syndrome, florid cutaneous papillomatosis, the sign of Leser-Trélat, and extramammary Paget's disease), and disorders of hair growth (hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita). The clinical manifestations of these dermatoses may precede, coincide with, or follow the diagnosis of cancer. The presence of a cutaneous paraneoplastic syndrome is often associated with a poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes are specific constellations of mucous membrane and/or skin abnormalities that are caused by an underlying tumor. Since they may be the presenting sign of an occult cancer, cognizance of their features and clinical implications are of considerable importance. Individuals with these syndromes should have a thorough workup for an associated malignancy.

Palmoplantar keratoderma and associated syndromes

This article focuses on the current state of knowledge concerning the characterization and classification of palmoplantar keratoderma and associated syndromes. In addition, therapeutic options are discussed. Exact diagnosis enables dermatologists to give patients accurate genetic counseling and may help to detect underlying defects or proneness to cancer. Furthermore, precise classification of this disease facilitates the use of the most efficient therapeutic modalities. Important criteria for the classification of palmoplantar keratoderma are the mode of transmission, age at onset, and distribution of the keratoderma. The disorder may be diffuse or focal; it may be restricted to the palms and soles or also involve the dorsal aspects of the hands and feet. Psoriatic-like lesions in other parts of the body may occur in certain variants. The association of other signs and symptoms may provide diagnostic clues. Ultrastructural investigation will show diagnostic features in some types of palmoplantar keratoderma, and biochemical analysis may be helpful in the classification of keratoderma. In the future, the most accurate diagnosis will be the identification of the genetic defect and its chromosomal localization.