Amyloidosis: Part 2

Cutaneous markers of internal malignancy. II. Paraneoplastic dermatoses and environmental carcinogens

A variety of cutaneous disorders may reflect the presence of an internal disease. The ability to recognize those that may indicate an underlying malignancy is of particular importance. In part I of this series malignant involvement of the skin, either direct or metastatic, and the genodermatoses with malignant potential were reviewed. In this portion, we describe the paraneoplastic dermatoses as well as the cutaneous effects of some environmental carcinogens associated with internal malignancy. In addition, several uncommon and controversial associations between benign dermatoses and internal malignant disease will be discussed.

Response of systemic amyloidosis to dimethyl sulfoxide

A 65-year-old women with systemic amyloidosis was given dimethyl sulfoxide orally for 4 years without significant side effects. Her cutaneous lesions improved markedly after the treatment, and she still survives in satisfactory condition.