Acanthosis Nigricans

Overview

Acanthosis nigricans is a rare skin disease characterized by hyperpigmentation and thickeningof the skin with changes localized on the neck, in inguina, and possibly also in other skin folds.The authors describe the case of a 55-year woman with a six-month anamnesis in duration ofpapilomatous formations on the skin of neck, on lips, on the mouth, axilae, on palms of handsand foods with a three-month anamnesis of the same changes in perigenital and perianallocalization.Based on the clinical picture, the course of the disease and the results of histological examinationthe authors established the diagnosis of acanthosis nigricans. The patient was subjected toa complex examination with special reference to malignant organ lesions, which were notdetected, though. At the present time the patient is under regular follow-up examinations ofthe dermatologist, while the skin changes remain unchanged.The authors describe the classification and a survey of individual types of acanthosis nigricanswith available therapeutic possibilities. The prognosis of malignant acanthosis nigricans isunfavourable and a rapid diagnosis aimed at the malignant organ lesions is of great importance.

Key words:
acanthosis nigricans - pseudoacanthosis nigricans - obesity - insulin resistance -therapeutic drugs - malignancies - syndromes.