| Associated Conditions: MAIN MENU |
|
|
| Cancer and Scleroderma |
|
|
| Overview of Cancer and Scleroderma |
| Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) may be associated with an increased incidence of cancer, including breast cancer, B-cell lymphoma, lung cancer and tongue cancer. |
| Just because someone has cancer does not mean that they also have scleroderma, nor does it mean that someone with scleroderma will inevitably acquire cancer. Scleroderma affects everyone differently and there is no predictable course of the illness, either in its severity, progression or outcome. However, there is an increased risk of cancer in those who have systemic scleroderma, as documented in the research articles below. (Also see: Types of Scleroderma, Associated Conditions, and Causes of Scleroderma) |
| Systemic sclerosis and malignancy: a review of the literature. Malignancy is associated with systemic sclerosis in between 3.6 and 10.7% of patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis. (PubMed) South Med J. 2008 Jan; 101(1):59-62. |
| Drink for Your Heart but Abstain for Cancer? Based on the many studies finding that moderate alcohol consumption can have a heart-protective benefit, many experts said that moderate drinkers should not worry about this latest research finding an increased risk in cancer. A. Grayson and J. Schaffhausen. ABC News Medical Unit 02/25/09 (Also see: Cardiac Involvement) |
| Toxicity of radiotherapy(RT) in patients with collagen vascular disease(CVD). Although generally well tolerated, RT in the setting of CVD appears to carry a higher risk of late toxicity. (Wiley Interscience) Cancer, 27 May 2008 (Also see: Medical Tests (Imaging)) |
| Radiotherapy for malignancy in patients with scleroderma: The Mayo Clinic experience. The results suggest that although some patients with scleroderma treated with radiation experience considerable toxic effects, the occurrence of Grade 3 or higher toxicity may be less than previously anticipated. PubMed. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2007 Feb 1;67(2):559-67. |
| Pseudoscleroderma associated with cancer. In 71 patients with sclerotic skin changes; 66 were diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (SSc), five were diagnosed with pseudoscleroderma associated with various malignancies. The mean duration of disease in the five patients was significantly shorter than that of the SSc patients. PubMed. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2006 May;31(3):381-3. (Also see: Diseases Similar to Scleroderma) |
| Clinical Trials at The St. Mary Regional Cancer Center. The St. Mary Regional Cancer Center offers clinical trials for cancers including breast cancer, lymphoma, non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, sarcoma, gastrointestinal, gynecological cancer, leukemia, and small-cell lung cancer. A trial also is being conducted for treatment of depression in cancer patients. Posted 05/20/06. |
| A Cohort Study of Cancer Incidence in Systemic Sclerosis. We identified an overall increase in the incidence of cancer in a cohort of patients with SSc compared to the general population, with statistically significant differences in the incidence of esophageal and oropharyngeal cancers. PubMed. J Rheumatol. 2006 Apr 15. |
| Malignancy and autoimmunity. There have been several papers published related to cancer in the rheumatic diseases. Continuing interest in the association between autoimmune rheumatic diseases and malignancy is likely, given the potential impact in terms of understanding both rheumatic diseases and cancer. PubMed. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2006 Mar;18(2):129-34. |
| The association of systemic sclerosis with malignant neoplasms. Decreased DLco (pulmonary CO diffusing capacity) appeared to be a risk factor for the concomitant malignant neoplasms among patients with systemic sclerosis (odds ratio 2.00 for DLco < or = 70%, CI 1.06-3.74, P=0.032). These results may help to elucidate the etiology of systemic sclerosis. PubMed. Nihon Rinsho Meneki Gakkai Kaishi. 2004 Dec;27(6):402-6. |
| Genomic instability in scleroderma. Evidence of acquired genetic damage in this disorder may be important in explaining both the etio-pathogenesis of scleroderma and the association of scleroderma with cancer. PubMed. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2004 Jun-Sep;22(2-3):153-8. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: Genetics) |
| Simultaneous Occurrence of Malignancies and Connective Tissue Diseases. At the onset of an autoimmune disease, especially if the patient is older than 50 years it is worth screening for the presence of malignant tumors in the background. C. Varjú. FRI0324 EULAR 2004. (Also see: Dr. László Czirják) |
| Cutaneous manifestations of the malignant carcinoid syndrome. Flushing was generally an early manifestation of the syndrome, whereas both the pellagra and scleroderma tended to occur in more advanced disease. PubMed. Br J Dermatol. 2005 Jan;152(1):71-5. |
| Fatal exacerbation of paraneoplastic systemic sclerosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in a breast cancer patient. Paraneoplastic systemic sclerosis (SSc) occurs in about 3%-7% of individuals with SSc. There are reports of accelerated SSc syndromes associated in particular with breast cancer. Further exacerbations of the rheumatic condition may be induced by treatment of the cancer. PubMed. Clin Rheumatol. 2004 Jun;23(3):269-71. 2004 Apr 14. |
| Digital Necrosis Related to Carboplatin and Gemcitabine Therapy in Systemic Sclerosis. We present a woman with scleroderma who developed multiple ischemic digits after chemotherapy for lung cancer. Scleroderma patients are at particular risk for digital infarction because of their underlying vascular disease and associated Raynaud's phenomenon. J Rheumatol NO. 6 JUNE 2003;30:1341-3 (Also see: Digital Ulcers and Raynaud's) |
| Angiosarcoma and Scleroderma |
| Angiosarcoma: A type of cancer that begins in the lining of blood vessels. This type of tumor tends to be aggressive, recur locally, and spread widely. It can originate anywhere in the body but is well known to arise in skin, soft tissue, liver, breast, spleen, bone, lung and heart. MedicineNet.com. |
| Angiosarcoma arising in sclerodermatous skin. Despite a notable cutaneous improvement, the control check-up revealed the presence of metastases of the lung and liver. This is the first report of cutaneous angiosarcoma occuring in sclerodermatous skin. PubMed. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Panonica Adriat. 2005 Mar;14(1):20-5. |
| Autoantibodies and Cancer with Systemic Sclerosis |
| Autoantibodies in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis and Cancer: A Case-Control Study. In contrast to previous studies, in our case-control study we were not able to detect a significant difference in autoantibody frequency or patterns among SSc patients with and without a diagnosis of cancer. These results refute the conclusion made previously that certain autoantibodies may represent risk factors for the development of cancer in patients with SSc. J Rheumatol. Vol 30: NO. 9 Sept 2003;30:1994-6 (Also see: Antibodies) |
| B-Cell Lymphoma |
| Hepatitis C virus, Sjogren's syndrome and B-cell lymphoma: linking infection, autoimmunity and cancer. Viruses have been proposed as possible etiologic or triggering agents of systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs), with hepatitis C virus (HCV) being one of the viruses most frequently associated with autoimmune features and with systemic autoimmune diseases such as mixed cryoglobulinemia or Sjogren's Syndrome. PubMed. Autoimmun Rev. 2005 Jan;4(1):8-15. (Also see: Liver Involvement, Sjogren's Syndrome, and Causes of Scleroderma: Infection) |
| Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALT) of salivary glands and scleroderma: a case report. The connection between scleroderma and lymphoma is uncommon and its pathogenic relationship is a much debated subject. Independently of the pathogenic mechanism of these two diseases, it seems very important to emphasize that scleroderma may be the first manifestation of lymphoma. PubMed. Clin Rheumatol. 2004 Aug;23(4):348-50. |
| Triple association between hepatitis C virus infection, systemic autoimmune diseases, and B cell lymphoma. We describe 6 patients with a triple association of HCV infection, systemic autoimmune disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). This triple association reinforces the suspected links between autoimmunity, infection, and cancer. PubMed. J Rheumatol. 2004 Mar;31(3):495-9. (Also see: Liver Involvement) |
| Primary B-cell lymphoma of the tongue in a patient with systemic sclerosis. A careful review of the English medical literature disclosed that B-cell lymphoma of the tongue in a patient with systemic sclerosis is an association which has not been described previously. PubMed. Oral Oncol. 2004 Jan;40(1):103-6. |
| Breast Cancer |
| Breast cancer and systemic sclerosis: a clinical description of 21 patients in a population-based cohort study. This population-based cohort study provides evidence that the majority of patients with scleroderma and breast cancer have limited scleroderma and anti-centromere antibody. They also were found to have a higher incidence of a positive family history of breast cancer. (PubMed) Rheumatol Int. 2008 Feb 16. |
| Associations of breast cancer development in patients with systemic sclerosis: an exploratory study. An older age at diagnosis of systemic sclerosis, a lack of ANA positivity, and the presence of pulmonary fibrosis were more commonly seen in patients with systemic sclerosis who have a diagnosis of breast cancer. PubMed. Clin Rheumatol. 2007 Feb 2. (Also see:Pulmonary Fibrosis) |
| Taxane-induced scleroderma. We report five women who presented with scleroderma due to taxanes, mimicking systemic sclerosis. All five patients had received taxane chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Although the mechanisms have not been clarified, it should be noted that taxane is causally involved in the formation of scleroderma-like skin conditions. PubMed Br J Dermatol. 2007 Feb;156(2):363-7. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: Drugs and Medications and Diseases Similar to Scleroderma) |
| Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis. This study suggests that age of SSc diagnosis, lack of ANA positivity and pulmonary fibrosis are risk factors for the development of breast cancer in patients with SSc. C. T. Derk. FRI0342 EULAR 2006. |
| Postirradiation morphea in a breast cancer patient. It is important to be aware of this rare complication of radiation therapy because it clinically presents with symptoms mimicking malignancy and may be misinterpreted as recurrent carcinoma or even angiosarcoma. PubMed. Breast J. 2006 Mar-Apr;12(2):173-6. (Also see: Morphea) |
| Breast cancer and scleroderma. In this group, while a higher frequency of systemic scleroderma was described, a higher rate of cutaneous scleroderma appeared where scleroderma followed breast cancer diagnosis. Large-scale case-control studies are needed to substantiate the possible association between scleroderma-both cutaneous and systemic-and breast cancer. PubMed. Skinmed. 2006 Jan-Feb;5(1):18-24. |
| Association between systemic sclerosis and breast cancer: eight new cases and review of the literature. SSc is probably not a paraneoplastic disease since the anticancer treatment has no influence on the evolution of SSc. However, it can be suggested that SSc could be a disease facilitating breast cancer and/or metastases development. PubMed. Clin Rheumatol. 2004 Dec;23(6):516-22. |
| Bilateral breast cancer associated with diffuse scleroderma. There is a strong evidence to suggest the association between breast cancer and diffuse scleroderma, though it is an infrequent occurrence. PubMed. Breast. 2003 Jun;12(3):217-9. |
| Chemotherapy-induced scleroderma: a pleiomorphic syndrome. We present the first case of diffuse scleroderma occurring in a woman treated with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide for breast cancer. The clinical pattern of skin involvement and histological alterations were identical to those found in the classical form of scleroderma. PubMed. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2005 Mar;30(2):141-5. (Also see: Diseases Similar to Scleroderma) |
| Diane M: MCTD, and Surviving Sister of Scleroderma Patient I do not know what lies ahead for me on this path, I only hope that I can be as strong as my sister was... |
| Cervical Cancer |
| Reports of abnormal cervical cancer screening tests in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We noted a high prevalence of abnormal Pap tests self-reported in our sample. Increased risk was seen among those with diffuse SSc. Thus, it seems prudent to ensure that adequate attention is paid to cervical cancer screening for women with SSc. S. Bernatsky. Rheumatology. 12/15/2008. |
| Liver Cancer |
| Risk of malignancy in scleroderma: A population-based cohort study. Contrary to previous studies, this study did not find statistical evidence of an increased incidence of cancer in scleroderma patients, except for liver cancer. One possible reason is the high background rates of certain cancers in the metropolitan Detroit area. It may be necessary to consider local cancer rates when comparing different scleroderma cohorts. PubMed. Arthritis Rheum. 2005 Jul 28;52(8):2415-2424. (Also see: Liver Involvement) |
| Lung Cancer |
| Risk factors for lung cancer in patients with scleroderma: A nested case-control study. Patients with scleroderma who smoke are 7 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non- smokers. PubMed. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006 Sep 19. (Also see: Pulmonary Involvement: Preventive Care) |
| Does interstitial lung disease predispose to lung cancer? Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, systemic sclerosis, and certain pneumoconioses are associated with an independent increased risk of lung cancer; however, a unifying pathogenetic mechanism to explain the causality of this association has not been described. PubMed. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2005 Sep;11(5):431-7. (Also see: Pulmonary Fibrosis) |
| Small cell lung cancer associated with systemic sclerosis. A 51-year-old woman developed small cell lung cancer (SCLC). She was a non-smoker and had interstitial pneumonia associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Since SCLC is very rare in non-smokers, these findings suggest a positive association between SCLC and interstitial pneumonia associated with SSc. PubMed. Intern Med. 2005 Apr;44(4):315-8. (Also see: Autoimmune Interstitial Pneumonia) |
| Cancer and interstitial lung disease. Interstitial lung diseases for which the available evidence suggests an increased risk of lung cancer include idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, systemic sclerosis, and certain forms of pneumoconioses. PubMed. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2004 Sep;10(5):425-434. (Also see: Pulmonary Fibrosis) |
| Malignant Atrophic Papulosis (MAP) or Degos Syndrome |
| Lesions resembling malignant atrophic papulosis in a patient with progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Malignant atrophic papulosis (MAP), or Degos syndrome, is a rare disorder of unknown etiology. It is characterized by a deep subcutaneous vasculopathy resulting in atrophic, porcelain-white papules. PubMed. Cutis. 2005 Feb;75(2):101-4. (Also see: Types of Scleroderma) |
| MALT Lymphoma |
| Systemic sclerosis and gastric MALT lymphoma. MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphomas are usually confined to the gastric wall. Gastric MALT lymphomas have a well-established association with H. pylori infection. Eradication of H. pylori is the mainstay of treatment. PubMed. Joint Bone Spine. 2005 Jun 30. (Also see: Gastrointestinal Involvement) |
| Medications and Cancer |
| Study examines NSAID use and breast cancer risk. Ibuprofen use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and long-term daily use of aspirin is associated with an increased risk of estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR)-negative breast cancer, according to a new study in the June 1 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. EurekAlert! 05/30/05. (Also see: Medications) |
| Melanoma |
| Jo-1 positive paraneoplastic systemic sclerosis in a patient with metastatic melanoma. This rare case of SSc concurrent with melanoma suggests that besides other possible mechanisms, paraneoplastic etiology can be responsible for the association between SSc and cancer. PubMed. Eur J Dermatol. 2006 Jul-Aug;16(4):428-30. |
| Myeloma (Bone Marrow Cancer) |
| Risks of myeloid malignancies in patients with autoimmune conditions. Medications used to treat autoimmune conditions, shared genetic predisposition and/or direct infiltration of bone marrow by autoimmune conditions, could explain these excess risks of myeloid malignancies. L.A. Anderson. British Journal of Cancer. March 3, 2009. |
| Scleroderma and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): a sheer coincidence, a consequence of long lasting D: -penicillamine therapy or a plausible relationship of both diseases? CML with systemic sclerosis has only rarely been reported. We report a case with CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactly, telangiectasia) who developed CML 7 years after the onset of CREST. PubMed. Rheumatol Int. 2006 Jul 27. |
| Risk of multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance among white and black male United States veterans with prior autoimmune, infectious, inflammatory, and allergic disorders. Significantly elevated risks of multiple myeloma were associated with broad categories of autoimmune, infectious, and inflammatory disorders and specific prior autoimmune (polymyositis/dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, pernicious anemia, and ankylosing spondylitis), infectious (pneumonia, hepatitis, meningitis, septicemia, herpes zoster, and poliomyelitis), and inflammatory (glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and osteoarthritis) disorders. Risks for MGUS were generally of similar magnitude. Blood. 2008 Apr 1;111(7):3388-94. |
| Multiple myeloma with scleroderma-like changes. We present a case of a patient who presented concomitantly with generalized pruritus, brownish sclerodermatous plaques, sclerodactyly and a monoclonal band for IgG-kappa. The patient was diagnosed as having multiple myeloma by bone marrow examination. PubMed. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2005 Jul;19(4):500-2. (Also see: Diseases Similar to Scleroderma) |
| Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma |
| Malignancy and Rheumatic Disease— A Real Association? More recently, a weak but definite link has been reported between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. J Rheumatol. 2005 October;32:1866. Editorial. |
| Autoimmune Disease Is a Risk Factor for the Development of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Autoimmune disease may account in part for the increase in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), especially in women. J Rheumatol. 2005 October;32:1884-7. |
| Bilateral primary orbital non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in a patient with scleroderma: A case report. Orbital presentation of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) is uncommon but occurs both as the only site of disease and as a site of recurrence. The onset of malignant lymphoproliferation may precede, follow, or exist simultaneously with scleroderma. PubMed. Leuk Lymphoma. 2005 Aug;46(8):1239-1242. |
| Laira: MCTD, Scleroderma, SLE, Lupus, CREST, Lymphoma I was just seventeen when I was told I had rheumatoid arthritis... |
| T Cell Lymphoma |
| Angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma with an unusual proliferation of epstein-barr virus-associated large B cells arising in a patient with progressive systemic sclerosis. The cause was suggested to be closely associated with immunosuppressive treatment for progressive systemic sclerosis. PubMed. Acta Haematol. 2005;114(2):108-12. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: Medications) |
| Tongue Cancer |
| Increased incidence of carcinoma of the tongue in patients with systemic sclerosis. There is a highly significant increase in the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in patients with SSc. A remarkable observation was that all patients within this cohort who developed oral cancer had the diffuse subset of SSc. J Rheumatol. 2005 Apr;32(4):637-41. (Also see: Diffuse Scleroderma) |
| Sixty Fold Increase in the Incidence of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis. Potential causative agents may be chemical substances ingested through the oral route, possibly triggering both cancer and systemic sclerosis (SSc), or an oral based viral infection due to the immunocompromised state of SSc. C. T. Derk. FRI0098 EULAR 2003 (Also see: Dental Involvement: Tongue Cancer) |
| Tumors |
| Rheumatic disorders as paraneoplastic syndromes. The long-established observation that some rheumatologic disorders (RDs) are associated with, or precede, the clinical manifestations of a variety of solid and hematological tumors represents an important clue for the early diagnosis and effective treatment of the cancers. (PubMed) Racanelli V, Autoimmun Rev. 2008 May;7(5):352-8. |
| Personal Stories of Cancer |
| Anna B: Morphea My morphea started as bruise-like marks on the backs of my legs about three years ago, after I had just fought cervical cancer and won... |
| Bri: Morphea Scleroderma I am currently waiting to have plastic surgery. They are going to do reverse liposuction; taking some fat and tissue from my left leg and then inject it into my right leg... |
| Buggzy: Autoimmune Hepatitis, Fibromyalgia, Undiagnosed I am really desperate to get some answers or to hear from others in the same boat as me... |
| Carrie: CREST Syndrome All this started in 1995, as far as receiving any diagnosis. First, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went through radiation and chemotherapy... |
| Christin: Linear Scleroderma My name is Christin. I am a twenty-year-old college student. I have had scleroderma for as long as I can remember... |
| Craig R: CREST Scleroderma I had my first scleroderma symptoms at age twenty-two, which included severe Raynaud's with some ulceration and tissue loss... |
| Dwight: Surviving Son of Scleroderma Patient My dear mother, Drema L Shaver, passed away one year ago today... |
| Janice E: CREST/Fibromyalgia At some point I came to the realization that what I was feeling just could not be normal. By this time my hands were swelling... |
| Kellie: Overlap Scleroderma and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) I am so relieved to read about so many people who have had the same experiences... |
| Kym: Diffuse, CREST Scleroderma, Lupus and Fibromyalgia It all started with Raynaud's in my fingers and toes when I was about nineteen years old, in 1979... |
| Marina: Diffuse Scleroderma I was sent to a rheumatologist who spent one and a half hours checking me while explaining this rare and incurable autoimmune connective tissue disease in a nut shell... |
| Mike Thomas: Diffuse Scleroderma The doctors keep passing me around saying that I am too complicated for them to treat. So nothing gets done... |
| Rachel: Morphea Scleroderma I have learned to control the use of addicting medication and to manage the pain as well as possible... |
