Dermatological manifestations in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies: a focus on early diagnosis and patient comfort

Background

The increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies highlights the critical need for a better understanding of associated dermatological manifestations to improve early diagnosis and patient management.

Objectives

This study aims to catalog the dermatological findings in patients with GI malignancies, emphasizing the implications for early diagnosis, and management.

Methods

The authors conducted a comprehensive whole-body dermatologic examination on 150 patients diagnosed with GI malignancies. Data on sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, comorbid conditions, and malignancy characteristics were meticulously collected.

Results

The cohort comprised 96 males (64%) and 54 females (36%), with a mean age of 62.47 (SD ± 10.7) years. The most prevalent primary malignancy was colonic (32.7%), with a mean disease duration of 12.72 (SD ± 20.5) months. Xerosis (dry skin) was the most frequent dermatological condition, affecting 92% of patients. The itching was reported by 31.3% of patients. Eruptive seborrheic keratosis (20.7%) and acanthosis nigricans (10.7%) were the most common paraneoplastic dermatoses observed. Both conditions were more common in patients with BMIs above 28.5, and seborrheic keratosis was seen more often in men. Dry skin, itching, paraneoplastic dermatoses, and skin infections were significantly more prevalent in patients older than the mean age of 62 years.

Study limitations

The cross-sectional design of the present study limits causal inference. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the temporal dynamics between dermatological manifestations and GI malignancy progression.

Conclusions

Dermatologic symptoms including pruritus, xerosis, seborrheic keratosis, and acanthosis nigricans should be considered potential indicators of underlying malignancy. Routine dermatological screening is essential for comprehensive patient care.