Cutaneous Paraneoplastic Syndromes in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Abstract

Despite many advances in the management of patients with colorectal cancer, this malignancy remains the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. One of the keys to improve the prognosis of these patients is diagnosis in early stages, making them eligible for curative surgical treatment. Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes can enhance the diagnostic management of these patients. The time elapsed from the appearance of skin lesions to the appearance of the first digestive symptoms can reach up to a decade. Thus, comprehensive paraclinical evaluation and the monitoring of patients with specific skin lesions play an important role in detecting an underlying cancer. Given these findings, it is imperative to increase the awareness of cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes among patients and medical professionals. Additionally, the investigation of the mechanisms that elucidate this pathogenic link has the potential to result in the identification of novel therapeutic targets.