Detection of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in a context of acrokeratosis paraneoplastica: Case report

Abstract

Background: Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica is an infrequent paraneoplastic disease in which cutaneous lesions appear and develop in a context of an underlying malignancy. Upper aerodigestive tract carcinomas are the most common neoplasias associated with this syndrome. The aim of this report is to raise awareness of this syndrome, since the recognition of the skin lesions could allow suspicion and diagnosis of the underlying neck malignancy at an early curable stage. Methods: We report a case of a 62-year-old life-long smoking male who presented a several months evolution of multiple skin lesions, affecting both ear lobes, hands and feet. He was referred for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the lesions. Results: After further examinations and study of the patient, the diagnosis concluded in the detection of a laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) causing the paraneoplastic skin-affecting syndrome (acrokeratosis paraneoplastica). Conclusions: A correctly oriented clinical suspicion of the malignancy was possible due to the detection of suggestive skin lesions affecting ear lobes and other locations. Keywords: Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica, Bazex syndrome, Laryngeal carcinoma, Skin lesions, Paraneoplasia