Research progress on risk factors for dermatomyositis with malignancy

Abstract

Malignant tumors are one of the major causes of mortality in patients with dermatomyositis. But the majority of these tumors are diagnosed after the diagnosis of dermatomyositis. Because the timing of diagnosis of tumor is associated with the survival of patients with dermatomyositis, early screening for malignant tumors is crucial to improve the prognosis of these patients. This review summarizes the epidemiological features, clinical symptoms and laboratory findings of malignancy in patients with dermatomyositis. The highest incidence of malignant tumors is observed within the first year after the diagnosis of dermatomyositis, and patients are still at a higher risk of developing cancers up to five years following the diagnosis of dermatomyositis. Risk factors for malignancy in patients with dermatomyositis include male gender, age over 40 years, and the presence of Gottron's sign, purplish-red macules on the face and sun-exposed areas, and dysphagia. Further screening of malignant cancers, especially nasopharyngeal cancer in Asians, should be performed in patients with dermatomyositis when malignant signs and symptoms appear during the examination of myositis-specific autoantibodies, skin and muscle tissue pathology, and electromyography. Early detection, diagnosis, and the treatment of malignancies are crucial for improving the prognosis of patients with dermatomyositis.

Keywords

• dermatomyositis
• malignancy
• risk factors