Epidermal manifestations of internal malignancy.

Paraneoplastic syndromes with cutaneous findings localized to the epidermis are discussed in this article. A paraneoplastic syndrome is a condition that arises in association with a malignancy elsewhere in the body but, in itself, is not cancerous. Generally, the onset and course of the disease will closely correlate with the malignancy, as described in Curth's original criteria for paraneoplastic syndromes, although this is not always the case. Subjects discussed include malignant acanthosis nigricans, the sign of Leser-Trélat, tripe palms, palmoplantar keratodermas, Bazex syndrome, and acquired ichthyosis.