Cutaneous clues to malignant disease

The association of internal malignancies with cutaneous lesions has long been recognized. Since the skin can be examined easily, the entire integument should be carefully inspected whenever internal malignancy is suspected. Proper interpretation of cutaneous signs may be essential to a fast and accurate diagnosis of internal disease. A brief review of the cutaneous aspects of internal malignancy is presented, followed by a discussion of skin manifestations in which malignant cells are found in the skin. Also reviewed are nonspecific lesions (vascular reactions, pigmentary changes, hormonesecreting tumors, collagen diseases, etc.) in which no malignant cells are found in the skin but cutaneous changes are frequently enough related to neoplasm to make a complete work‐up mandatory. Genodermatoses, which are associated with an increased incidence of malignancy, are also discussed.