Management of skin cancer in solid organ transplant recipients

Authors: Traywick, Carmen; O'Reilly, FionaM.

Source: Dermatologic Therapy, Volume 18, Number 1, January 2005 , pp. 12-18(7)

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Abstract:

The incidence of catastrophic skin cancer in the solid organ transplant population continues to rise. As transplant patients are living longer, it is likely that dermatologists will be looking after an increasing number of organ transplant recipients. The key to managing this patient population lies in a multidisciplinary approach encompassing patient education, skin screening in the immediate post-transplant period, regular follow-up, and rapid referral to a dermatologist once skin lesions suspicious for skin cancer are diagnosed. Of paramount importance is discussion with transplant physicians to negotiate reduction of immunosuppression in the setting of catastrophic skin cancer. This article defines the scope of the problem of skin cancer in the solid organ transplant population, defines the nature of the lesions commonly presented, and reinforces the benefit of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of these patients.

Keywords: metastasis; multidisciplinary patient care; skin cancer; solid organ transplant

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8019.2005.05002.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia

Publication date: 2005-01-01