The association of malignancy with myositis

The exact nature of the relation between malignancy and myositis has create d continued controversy. Most of the evidence points toward an association between dermatomyositis (DM) with malignancy. The relation with polymyositi s is much weaker, if at all present. The first 5 years after DM diagnosis i s when the risk is greatest for malignancy. Although types of malignancy se en in DM and polymyositis are similar to those in the general population, o varian cancer seems to be more common in DM. Most experts recommend that ot herwise asymptomatic patients with DM have an age-specific examination for occult malignancy, All suggestive symptoms or clinical clues should be eval uated thoroughly. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.