Acanthosis nigricans: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 21:15, 1 February 2013
Acanthosis nigricans | |
Acanthosis nigricans |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Overview
Acanthosis nigricans is a brown to black, poorly defined, velvety hyperpigmentation of the skin, usually present in the posterior and lateral folds of the neck, the axilla, groin, umbilicus, and other areas. Acanthosis nigricans generally occurs due to insulin spillover (from excessive production due to obesity or insulin resistance) onto the skin which results in abnormal skin growth The most common cause of acanthosis nigricans is insulin resistance, usually from type 2 diabetes mellitus.Involvement of mucous membranes is rare and suggests a coexisting malignant condition.[1]
Causes
Common Causes
- Insulin resistance
- Diabetes mellitus
- Obesity
- Drug-induced
- Gastric cancer
- Idiopathic
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Causes by Organ System
Causes in Alphabetical Order
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Signs and Tests
Physicians can usually diagnose acanthosis nigricans by simply looking at a patient's skin. A skin biopsy may be needed in unusual cases. If no clear cause of acanthosis nigricans is obvious, it may be necessary to search for one. Blood tests, an endoscopy, or x-rays may be required to eliminate the possibility of diabetes or cancer as the cause.
Physical Examination
Skin
Treatment
People with acanthosis nigricans should be screened for diabetes and, although rare, cancer. Controlling blood glucose levels through exercise and diet often improves symptoms.
Prognosis
Acanthosis nigricans often fades if the underlying cause can be determined and treated appropriately.
References
- ↑ Schnopp C, Baumstark J (2007). "Oral acanthosis nigricans". N Engl J Med. 357 (9): e10. PMID 17761587.
- ↑ http://picasaweb.google.com/mcmumbi/USMLEIIImages
Related links
Template:Paraneoplastic syndromes
de:Akanthose
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