BOF: 2.28
A 70-year-old male presents
with thickening and hyperpigmentation of the skin in the axillae, neck,
genitals and groin. On further inspection there is involvement of the mucous
membranes as well and on palpation the lesions in the skin have a velvety
texture. The palms of the patients hands appear thicken as well.
Which type of acanthosis
nigricans is this likely to be?
a)
Benign
b)
Hereditary benign
c)
Pseudo
d)
Malignant
e)
Naevoid
Answer:
d)
The main types of acanthosis
nigricans are:
Benign which is associated with
various syndromes where relative insulin resistance occurs
Hereditary benign which is an autosomal dominant
condition that is not associated with endocrine abnormalities
Pseudo, which is a reversible complication of obesity
Malignant which is usually secondary to adenocarcinoma.
The features, which should make one suspect malignancy, are onset in the
elderly, rapid evolution, severe involvement with thickening of the palms,
mucous membranes and mucocutaneous junctions
Naevoid which is isolated and localised and is not
associated with endocrine abnormalities
Revision Tip
Revise acanthosis nigricans KEYS
to SUCCESS in Medicine page 87-88
