Mucocutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes (MCPS). A clinical-pathologic review

Mucocutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes (MCPS) are a common group of dermato ses exhibiting a variable morphologic and pathologic picture which can occu r in association with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies. In this rev iew the Authors report the most important clinical characteristics and comm only associated malignancies of these dermatoses. Their identification is i mportant because their superficial appearance and precocious arising are us eful in the early diagnosis of an otherwise asymptomatic visceral malignanc y and because differential diagnosis between skin metastases and malignacy- associated dermatoses is very important for a careful staging and managemen t of the neoplasm. At the same time, MCPS may also be suggestive of the spe cific type of cancer present. Finally, the presence of a MCPS often carries grave oncologic implications. Once, therefore, the diagnosis of these derm atoses has been established, either an appropriate evaluation for an asympt omatic neoplasm in a cancer-free individual or an investigation for the rec urrence of malignancy in an oncologic patient should be initiated.