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Acanthosis Nigicans
Medical Questions » Acanthosis Nigicans
| Name: Acanthosis Nigicans |
| Also known as: |
| Skin condition of the neck, groin, palms and armpits that appears in four forms - true benign, benign, malignant and pseudo. |
Causes of Acanthosis Nigicans
True benign - inherited trait, that often runs in families, starts in childhood, is more common in girls and worsens with puberty.
Benign - often associated with hormonal abnormalities in Cushing syndrome, pituitary gland disorders or polycystic ovaries and develops in late childhood or early adult life. Mildest form.
Malignant - reaction to cancer in other parts of the body (eg. stomach, breast, lung) and starts in late life. Most severe form.
Pseudo - occurs in obese women who have a dark complexion. |
Symptoms of Acanthosis Nigicans
All forms cause thick, ridged skin covered in multiple dark brown or black small polyps, giving the skin a velvety appearance. |
Tests for Acanthosis Nigicans
Diagnosed by skin biopsy. |
Treatment for Acanthosis Nigicans
True benign - no specific treatment.
Benign - treatment of the underlying hormonal imbalance.
Malignant - treatment of the underlying cancer.
Pseudo - weight loss.
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Complications of Acanthosis Nigicans of its treatment
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Likely Outcome of Acanthosis Nigicans
True benign - Often settles in early adult life.
Other forms - only improve with successful treatment of cause. |
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