Background
Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica is a rare acral psoriasiform dermatosis associated with internal malignancy, most frequently squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the upper aerodigestive tract. The syndrome of acrokeratosis paraneoplastica typically precedes the diagnosis of malignancy. Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica evolves through 3 stages, which are discussed more under in History. Note the images below.
Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica. A 67-year-old woman presented with scaly plaques of the hands, feet, ears, and nose associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The eruption resolved with resection of the cancer. Image courtesy of Ronald Grimwood, MD.
Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica. A 67-year-old woman presented with scaly plaques of the hands, feet, ears, and nose associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The eruption resolved with resection of the cancer. Image courtesy of Ronald Grimwood, MD.
The term Bazex syndrome describes 2 different entities, both described by Bazex and colleagues: (1) acrokeratosis paraneoplastica and (2) the genetic syndrome of basal cell carcinomas, follicular atrophoderma, hypotrichosis, and disorders of sweating. Note the images below.
Bazex syndrome. Acquired palmar keratoderma in a woman with a history of breast cancer and recent primary lung cancer. Courtesy of Jeffrey J. Meffert, MD.
Bazex syndrome. Violaceous psoriasiform dermatitis on the ankles. Lung cancer appeared to be in remission; both keratoderma and psoriasiform plaques resolved quickly with clobetasol ointment. Courtesy of Jeffrey J. Meffert, MD.