Cutaneous changes in internal malignancy: Study from a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: A wide variety of systemic diseases and internal malignancies have cutaneous manifestations. In the context of internal malignancy, many cutaneous changes are highly specific to the underlying malignancy, while other changes are nonspecific. Some changes are also due to the modalities employed in the treatment of malignancies. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty patients who were diagnosed with internal malignancy and who were attending the department of radiation oncology, were evaluated at the Department of Dermatology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Leprosy of Government Medical College, Srinagar. The study was conducted over a period of 5 months. Relevant investigations, wherever needed, were carried out. RESULTS: Among the 250 cases examined, nonspecific cutaneous changes were seen in 39 (15.6%) cases, whereas specific skin lesions in the form of cutaneous metastases were seen in two (0.8%) patients. Nail changes and hair changes were also seen in some patients. LIMITATIONS: As this was a cross-sectional study and most of the patients were lost to follow up, we could not assess the outcome of the dermatological changes seen in the affected patients. CONCLUSION: Many dermatological changes are noticed early in the course of malignancy, reflecting a strong association of the cutaneous change with malignancy. Few manifestations occur late in the course of the disease, indicating dissemination or immunosuppression. Some changes reflect radiation-induced or chemotherapy-induced toxicity, indicating the need for treatment modifications.

Histopathological analysis of the cutaneous changes due to kangri use in kashmiri population: a hospital based study.

BACKGROUND: Kangri cancer is peculiar to the valley of Kashmir as people of all age groups are accustomed to warm their bodies by the use of Kangri baskets. The clinical spectrum of skin cancer in the Kashmir valley is entirely different from the rest of the country, which could be attributed to the use of Kangri in this geographical region.[12]. AIMS: Histopathological analysis of the cutaneous changes due to kangri use in Kashmiri population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective hospital based study. All the patients attending the outpatient department of Dermatology, STD and Leprosy at SMHS Hospital, an associated hospital of govt. medical college in Srinagar and presented with suspicious lesions (i.e., erythema ab igne, papular or nodular skin growths) due to Kangri use were taken up for the study. A detailed history including the use of Kangri and a physical examination was done in each patient followed by a histopathological examination in case of suspicious lesions. RESULTS: The cutaneous changes which were observed during the study period of 8 months were erythema ab igne, bowen's disease and squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Although this is a preliminary study we will be studying more of such changes caused due to Kangri use in the future.