Part 12, Chapter 146: Skin Cancer in the Immunocompromised Patient
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Skin Cancer in the Immunocompromised Patient
Overview
The immune system plays a critical role in skin cancer development, progression and destruction. Skin cancers in individuals with compromised immune systems represent a growing challenge in terms of their frequency and diversity as well as their atypical and often aggressive nature. Mortality and morbidity associated with skin tumours in this clinical context are often considerable, their pathogenesis is multifactorial and an evidence base to guide management is lacking in many key areas.
Keywords primary and acquired immunodeficiency, organ transplant recipient, HIV infection, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, haematopoietic cell transplant, immunosuppressive drugs, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, appendageal tumours