Cutaneous Signs of Internal Malignancy

The risk of internal malignancies increases with age with approximately 60% of malignancies occurring in patients greater than 65 years of age. Identification of dermatologic findings can lead to a comprehensive evaluation for internal malignancies, especially in the geriatric patient population. This review discusses cutaneous manifestations of paraneoplastic syndromes, which are non-oncologic manifestations associated with an internal malignancy.

This manuscript aims to summarize the cutaneous morphology, epidemiology, associated malignancy, diagnosis, and treatment of paraneoplastic syndromes that are most applicable to the geriatric patient population.

Recent literature highlights the diagnostic and treatment developments for paraneoplastic syndromes while confirming previously reported descriptions of cutaneous manifestations, epidemiology, and associated malignancies. Therefore, recent findings help to increase awareness amongst caretakers, healthcare providers, and patients about cutaneous manifestations of internal malignancies in the geriatric population.

A detailed cutaneous examination of geriatric patients is warranted to identify underlying internal malignancies. Most cutaneous manifestations of paraneoplastic syndromes resolve with treatment of the underlying malignancy, which further supports the need for prompt identification. Existing and novel treatment options are available to help provide both symptomatic management and resolution of the underlying malignancy.