P099 Clinical spectrum of cutaneous manifestations in haematological malignancies: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Haematological malignancies (HMs) are a very diverse category of neoplastic conditions. Numerous dermatological symptoms can occur in patients with HMs. The two main types of dermatological manifestations linked to HMs are specific and nonspecific. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cutaneous manifestations in patients with various HMs and to identify specific and nonspecific lesions. This was a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study of 87 consecutive patients who had HMs for > 12 years. Relevant history and clinical examination were documented in all patients. Dermoscopy, histopathology, immunohistochemistry and special stains were performed wherever indicated. Eighty-seven patients with HMs who visited the department of dermatology and medical oncology were enrolled. Among the 87 patients, the average age was 51.7 years (SD 18.8, range 13–85). Forty-nine patients (56%) were male and 38 (44%) were female. Acute myeloid leukaemia was the most prevalent HM, seen in 17 patients (20%), followed by multiple myeloma (15 patients, 17%) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (11 patients, 13%). The specific cutaneous lesions were noted in 2 (2%) patients due to cutaneous secondaries, while 24 patients had nonspecific skin lesions (28%). In 61 patients (70%), no skin lesions were documented. Among the nonspecific skin lesions, fungal aetiology was noted in seven cases, viral in five cases and bacterial in three cases. The most commonly encountered nonspecific lesions were intertrigo, herpes zoster and tinea cruris, in three cases each (13%). Cutaneous necrosis with vasculitis, eosinophilic dermatosis, cutaneous vasculitis, furuncle and herpes labialis occurred in two cases each (8%). Ichthyosis, cutaneous amyloidosis, cellulitis, pityriasis versicolour, generalized excoriations and ecchymosis occurred in one case each (4%). Cutaneous manifestations in HMs are varied and are more commonly nonspecific, with infections being the predominant presentation. Although specific cutaneous involvement is infrequent, it is clinically significant and warrants prompt recognition, biopsy and histopathological confirmation. Early dermatological evaluation facilitates appropriate management and improves overall patient care.