Doctor Georgakopoulou E. Vasiliki

Dr. Vasiliki E. Georgakopoulou the Medical School, University of Athens, Greece

Skin Manifestations as Clues to Underlying Lung Malignancy Autor: Vasiliki E. Georgakopoulou

Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece

Cutaneous findings can provide critical clues to the presence of internal malignancies, particularly lung cancer, and recognizing these manifestations can lead to early diagnosis and improved outcomes. Paraneoplastic dermatoses, although rare, represent important clinical markers of underlying malignancies. They often arise due to tumor-related hormonal, metabolic, or immune mechanisms and can precede other symptoms of the neoplasm. Several skin conditions are closely associated with lung malignancies. Ectopic ACTH syndrome occurs when tumors produce excess adrenocorticotropic hormone, leading to hyperpigmentation. Bronchial carcinoid variant syndrome presents similarly due to hormone production by carcinoid tumors. Secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy and digital clubbing are characterized by thickened skin and periosteal bone changes, often linked to bronchogenic carcinoma. Other distinctive manifestations include erythema gyratum repens, a rapidly progressing rash with concentric rings, and malignant acanthosis nigricans, velvety hyperpigmented plaques in body folds. Additional findings include the Leser-Trélat sign, where sudden eruptive seborrheic keratoses may indicate malignancy, and tripe palms, which present as thickened, velvety skin on the palms. Rare signs like hypertrichosis lanuginosa (excessive fine hair growth), acrokeratosis paraneoplastica (psoriasiform lesions on acral areas), and dermatomyositis (inflammatory skin and muscle disease) can also signal underlying lung cancer. Identifying these skin manifestations is crucial for clinicians, as they may offer the earliest indication of lung malignancy. Awareness and prompt investigation of these findings can facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment, significantly improving patient outcomes.

Scurt CV

Vasiliki E. Georgakopoulou is a Respiratory Medicine Specialist with over 10 years of experience in clinical practice, research, and education. She has expertise in Respiratory Infections (COVID-19, TB), Sleep Medicine, and Pulmonary Function Assessment. She has more than 170 peer-reviewed publications, and is involved with patient care and in cutting-edge research with a focus on post-COVID-19 outcomes and biomarker development. She has an MD and an MSc from Medical School, University of Athens and an MSc from the Medical School, University of Thrace, Greece. She is a Lecturer at the Medical School, University of Athens while she is completing her PhD. She has received several awards and recognitions at multiple international respiratory conferences.

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