Skin cancers associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the types of skin cancer associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).


METHODS
A literature review of AIDS-related mucocutaneous neoplasms, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, bowenoid papulosis and Bowen's disease, squamous cell carcinoma, cloacogenic carcinoma, and malignant melanoma, is presented, and the incidence, etiopathogenesis, clinicopathologic features, treatment, and prognosis are discussed.


RESULTS
The association between cutaneous neoplasms and AIDS is well known. Neoplasms seem to grow more rapidly and be more invasive in patients with AIDS than in other groups of patients. Several oncogenic factors--for example, sunlight exposure or human papillomavirus infection--have been associated with the development of skin cancer in these patients. The morbidity and mortality rates of skin cancer are higher in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than in the general population. Early and complete excision of the neoplasm is especially important.


CONCLUSIONS
A link exists between AIDS and the development of skin cancer. HIV-infected patients should be followed up vigilantly for early diagnosis of skin cancer. Because these patients are less able to suppress common cutaneous malignant disease due to their immunocompromised status, biopsy specimens should be obtained from all suspicious lesions, and histopathologic assessment should be done.
Wang
C Y
CY
Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Brodland
D G
DG
Su
W P
WP
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D001913:Bowen's Disease / Q000821:virology; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000821:virology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000821:virology; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000821:virology; D011379:Prognosis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*