Essential Thrombocythemia: The Dermatological Point of View

Publication date: Available online 3 September 2015 Source:Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia Author(s): Emanuele Cozzani, Alessandra Iurlo, Giulia Merlo, Daniele Cattaneo, Martina Burlando, Ivana Pierri, Luigi Gugliotta, Aurora Parodi Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by an increase of the blood platelets and dominated by a predisposition to vascular events. Cutaneous manifestations may complicate its course. In particular, itching is the most common symptom complained, however, it is reported in different percentages ranging from 3% to 46% depending on the available surveys. Erythromelalgia is found in 6% of the cases, whereas livedo reticularis, minor bleeding, acrocyanosis and Raynaud’s phenomenon are rare manifestations. It is important to recognize and treat these events as they may affect quality of life and may worsen the prognosis. Beside the skin involvement as a possible sign of ET, even the treatment may be associated with cutaneous complications: hydroxycarbamide, interferon-alfa and anagrelide can induce different skin lesions. Hydroxycarbamide is related to major complications, including painful leg ulcers and actinic keratoses. Minor events are represented by alopecia and hyperpigmentation. Xerosis, pruritus, photosensitivity are some of the complications reported by the patients treated with interferon-alfa. Anagrelide proves to be associated with fewer dermatological effects, only detected...
Source: Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research