title: Dermatomyositis as an early manifestation and a significant clinical precursor of lung cancer: report of a rare case and review of the current literature.
abstract: Dermatomyositis represents an idiopathic inflammatory connective-tissue disease, characterized by inflammation of the muscles and the skin. There is a high incidence of malignancy in patients with dermatomyositis. The main purpose of the present paper is to describe and underline the clinical significance of dermatomyositis manifestations as a precursor and early clinical signs of small cell lung cancer. A physical examination, laboratory tests, anti-Jo-1 antibody and muscle biopsy were performed. The most important findings were SGOT 284 IU/L, CPK 11083 IU/L, aldolase 76.3 IU/L (normal values <7.6). The patient was treated with chemotherapy and a significant improvement of clinical and laboratory findings were noted. The diagnosis of lung cancer could be correlated with the clinical existence of dermatomyositis. Increased awareness is needed regarding the association of dermatomyositis with malignancies in order to achieve correct and timely diagnosis of the underling cancer.
authors: Second Department of Medical Oncology, "Saint Savvas" Anticancer Hospital Alexandras Avenue 171, 115 22, Athens, Greece.
authors: Tsoukalas
authors: T
authors: Nikolaos
authors: Tolia
authors: T
authors: Maria
authors: Kostakis D
authors: KD
authors: Ioannis
authors: Lypas
authors: L
authors: Georgios
authors: Pistamaltzian
authors: P
authors: Nikolaos
authors: Demiri
authors: D
authors: Stamatina
authors: Panopoulos
authors: P
authors: Christos
authors: Koumakis
authors: K
authors: Georgios
authors: Barbounis
authors: B
authors: Vasileios
authors: Efremidis
authors: E
authors: Anna
keywords: Dermatomyositis; early manifestation; lung cancer; precursor
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