title: Paraneoplastic pityriasis rubra pilaris as the presenting manifestation of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.
abstract: Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare idiopathic papulosquamous eruption. Few cases of PRP have been reported in association with malignancies. We report a case of an 83-year-old Caucasian male who presented with recalcitrant paraneoplastic PRP as the presenting manifestation of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma with unknown primary. Treatment with chemotherapy and radiation led to temporary radiologic and symptomatic regression of the cancer as well as resolution of cutaneous findings. This suggests a direct relationship between the PRP and the underlying malignancy in this patient. This case highlights a rare, but important phenomenon in which PRP may act as a harbinger for underlying malignancy.
authors.forename: Isabel M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Remedios
authors.forename: J Daniel
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Beckum
authors.forename: Kristopher
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McKay
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kissel
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D010257:Paraneoplastic Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D010916:Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome