Atopic dermatitis associated with higher risk of skin cancer

(HealthDay)—Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), according to a study published online Dec. 15 in the International Journal of Dermatology.

Janice M. Cho, M.D., from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and colleagues retrospectively analyzed data from 399 patients with an initial SCC diagnosis (either invasive SCC or SCC in situ) between Jan. 1, 1996, and Dec. 23, 2010. Patients seen at the Mayo Clinic with no history of SCC before the case event date served as age- and sex-matched controls (780 patients).

The researchers found that the odds of developing SCC were higher among patients with a history of AD versus those without AD (odds ratio, 1.75), after adjustment for race, smoking history, ionizing radiation exposure, corticosteroid and cyclosporine use, and non-SCC skin cancers.

"Our finding of an association between a history of AD and SCC has clinical implications," the authors write. "As we continue to gather more data on this possible relationship, we can begin to counsel patients with AD on the importance of skin examinations and sunscreen use at a young age."

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