Background: Skin cancer is the most common malignancy occurring after kidne
y transplantation.
Objective: Our purpose was to identify the skin problems of kidney transpla
nt recipients, the extent of their awareness of skin cancer, and interest i
n skin cancer screenings.
Methods: One hundred twenty-two patients were administered an oral question
naire during regular follow-up at a renal transplant clinic.
Results: The average time from transplantation was 3.1 years. Thirty-nine p
ercent of patients reported skin problems, including warts, fungal infectio
n, and skin cancer. Forty-one percent of patients were unable to recall spe
cific skin cancer education, and 52% expressed an interest in skin cancer s
creening. Twenty-seven percent of patients had seen a dermatologist since t
heir transplant, but only 14% were followed up regularly by a dermatologist
.
Conclusion: We believe the need for continuing skin cancer education and ea
rly detection and treatment of skin lesions establishes an important role f
or the dermatologist on the transplant recipient's health care team.