Skin Cancer Correlations in Psoriatic Patients

Psoriasis is a common chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory disease with associated comorbidities. Common psoriasis-associated comorbidities include psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory digestive syndromes, and depression. A less studied association is between psoriasis and specific-site cancers. A key cell in the pathophysiology of psoriasis is the myeloid dendritic cell, which links the innate and adaptive immune systems, and therefore is involved in the control of cancer-prevention mechanisms. The relationship between cancer and inflammation is not new, with inflammation being recognized as a key element in the development of neoplastic foci. Infection leads to the development of local chronic inflammation, which further leads to the accumulation of inflammatory cells. Various phagocytes produce reactive oxygen species that cause mutations in cellular DNA and lead to the perpetuation of cells with altered genomes. Therefore, in inflammatory sites, there will be a multiplication of cells with damaged DNA, leading to tumor cells. Over the years, scientists have tried to assess the extent to which psoriasis can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Our aim is to review the available data and present some information that might help both the patients and the care providers in properly managing psoriatic patients to prevent skin cancer development.

Automated summary

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory disease that is associated with various comorbidities, including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and depression. Recent studies have also explored the relationship between psoriasis and specific-site cancers. Inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of neoplastic foci, as chronic inflammation leads to the accumulation of inflammatory cells and the production of reactive oxygen species that cause mutations in cellular DNA. It is important to assess the risk of skin cancer development in psoriasis patients and provide proper management strategies.