Cutaneous malignancies

Abstract

While all patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at an increased risk for skin cancer due to immune system dysfunction, rates are exponentially higher in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). In the past, skin cancer was not a major health concern for RTRs; however, because the life expectancy of RTR has increased, cutaneous carcinomas are being observed more routinely. Skin cancers are a significant cause of morbidity in this patient population and squamous cell carcinoma, the most common skin cancer in RTRs, is associated with a 58% risk of mortality. It is important for all providers caring for RTRs to be acutely aware of the factors contributing to cutaneous carcinogenesis and to be familiar with the appearance and characteristics of the most common premalignant and malignant lesions in order to facilitate early diagnosis and avoid unnecessary morbidity and mortality. This chapter will review preventative care that should be reinforced by all practitioners caring for CKD and RTR patients and summarize the treatment options for cutaneous malignancies.