Treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans Associated with Internal Malignancy

This protocol addresses acanthosis nigricans (AN) of the skin presenting as a paraneoplastic sign — specifically in patients where AN arises in the setting of an underlying internal malignancy.

Clinical Scenario

When AN is associated with internal malignancy, skin changes develop rapidly and are often accompanied by mucosal involvement, seborrheic keratoses, acrochordons, and tripe palms. This presentation signals the need to identify and address the underlying tumour as the primary driver of the skin manifestation.

Treatment Approach — partial summary

Surgical removal of the underlying tumour is the mainstay of treatment in malignancy-associated AN. The complete structured regimen — including procedural considerations, perioperative care, and follow-up — is detailed in the full protocol.

Clinical Goals

Successful management aims at resolution of acanthosis nigricans lesions and normalisation of insulin levels, evaluated at 8 weeks postoperatively.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S137527

When AN is associated with internal malignancy, skin changes develop rapidly and are often accompanied by mucosal involvement, seborrheic keratoses, acrochordons, and tripe palms.

Surgical removal of tumors is the mainstay of treatment in malignancy-associated AN.

Surgical enucleation of the mass.

At 8 weeks postoperatively, AN had resolved and insulin levels normalized.

View source ↗