Posttransplantation skin cancer: scope of the problem, management, and role for systemic retinoid chemoprevention.

Long-term immunosuppression necessary for transplantation places susceptible individuals with chronic actinic damage at increased risk for the development of aggressive skin cancers. Candidates for transplantation should be evaluated for the risk factors associated with skin cancer. Those who are at risk should be educated in the measures for and the importance of diligent UVR protection, frequent self-examination of the skin, and regular dermatologic evaluation to minimize the morbidity and morality from NMSC. Identified skin cancers (especially SCC) should be treated aggressively. Individuals who are actively developing many cancers may be candidates for retinoid chemoprevention.