title: Polymyositis and vaginal carcinoma.
abstract: The strange association of Dermatomyositis-Polymyositis (DM-PM) and cancer has been known for many years. We present the case of a 57-year-old woman with polymyositis refractory to steroid therapy, in whom extensive investigation finally revealed a squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina. The clinical course of myositis paralleled the course of vaginal cancer, with complete resolution of symptoms after radiotherapy for the malignancy.
authors.affiliation: Policlinico, Medical School, University of Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cormio
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Di Vagno
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Loverro
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Selvaggi
mesh_terms: D001918:Brachytherapy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000150:complications* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D017285:Polymyositis / Q000150:complications* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D014625:Vaginal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000532:radiotherapy
chemical_list: D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; D003402:Creatine Kinase