title: Skin cancer risk in autoimmune connective tissue diseases.
abstract: Cutaneous malignancies have been significantly associated with autoimmune connective tissue diseases (ACTDs). This review focuses on the current state of knowledge on skin cancer risk in the most prevalent ACTDs in dermatology including lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, dermatomyositis and Sjögren syndrome. Potential pathogenetic mechanisms for the association between ACTDs and malignancy involve disease-related impairment of immune system, sustained cutaneous inflammation, drug-associated immune suppression and increased susceptibility to acquired viral infections. An additional causal role might be played by environmental factors such as UV exposure and smoking. The occurrence of skin cancer can have a profound impact on the already compromised quality of life of ACTD patients. Therefore, effective screening and monitoring strategies are essential for ACTD patients as early detection and prompt therapeutic intervention can reduce morbidity and mortality in these patients.
authors: Department of Dermatology University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy - mariaconcetta.fargnoli@univaq.it.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Kostaki
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Antonini
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Peris
authors: M C
authors: MC
authors: Fargnoli
mesh_terms: D003043:Cocarcinogenesis; D015897:Comorbidity; D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007157:Immunologic Surveillance; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015994:Incidence; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000453:epidemiology; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D012306:Risk; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents