Cutaneous Manifestations of Internal Malignancy

Abstract

The skin may show nonspecific or nonmalignant signs of internal malignancy and thus be a clue to its early diagnosis. Infections which do not respond properly to treatment, pruritus, erythemas, hemorrhagic phenomena, abnormal pigmentations and trophic changes may be manifestations of internal malignant disease. Conditions related specifically to carcinoma include Bowen's disease, Paget's disease and acanthosis nigricans. Internal lymphomatous disease may be indicated by prurigo, pyoderma, viral infections and exfoliative dermatitis.