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Seborrhoeic keratoses in patients with internal malignancies: a case–control study with prospective accrual of patients
Author(s) -
Fink AM,
Filz D,
Krajnik G,
Jurecka W,
Ludwig H,
Steiner A
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of the european academy of dermatology and venereology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.655
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1468-3083
pISSN - 0926-9959
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03163.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dermatology , seborrhoeic dermatitis , keratosis , malignancy , pathology
Background The association between the eruption of numerous seborrhoeic keratoses as a result of an underlying malignancy is controversially discussed. The aim of this case–control study with prospective accrual of patients was to determine whether a direct association exists between the number seborrhoeic keratoses and internal malignancies. Methods The numbers and sites of seborrhoeic keratoses were counted in 150 oncological patients and 150 matched controls. Additionally, the presence or absence of pruritus, acanthosis nigricans, and the sudden appearance of seborrhoeic keratoses were assessed. Results Seborrhoeic keratoses did not differ significantly between patients with internal malignancies and controls. Only two patients fulfilled the criteria of the Leser‐Trélat sign, defined as the eruption of numerous seborrhoeic keratoses as a cutaneous marker of an underlying internal malignancy. Conclusion No association was found between seborrhoeic keratoses and cancer. Furthermore, our data did not provide support to the validity of the Leser‐Trélat sign in patients with internal malignancies.