Paraneoplastic pemphigus associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

Abstract

Background: Paraneoplastic pemphigus is an autoimmune skin and mucosal disorder, rarely associated with solid malignancies, with devastating impact. Patients and methods: Herein, we report the case of a middle-aged patient who presented with recalcitrant stomatitis and was ultimately diagnosed with advanced-stage cervical cancer. Results: Despite the prompt initiation of immunosuppressive medications, in parallel with systemic therapy for her underlying neoplasm, she eventually died within 10 months. Conclusions: Considering its heterogeneous clinicopathological and immunological manifestations, paraneoplastic pemphigus remains a genuine diagnostic challenge, whereas its abysmal prognosis highlights the need of additional effective immunosuppressants.