Skin Cancer Incidence in Organ Transplant Recipients Referred for Benign Skin Conditions.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nSolid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at ∼100-fold increased risk for developing skin cancers compared with the general population, with increased morbidity and mortality. These patients are closely followed by dermatology; however, it is unclear how referral reasons from nondermatologic providers affect care in these patients.\n\n\nOBJECTIVE\nThis study examines the reason SOTRs are referred to dermatologic care by nondermatologic providers as a potential predictor of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) outcomes.\n\n\nMATERIALS AND METHODS\nA retrospective case-control study was conducted with the records of 353 adult SOTRs referred to a specialized transplant dermatology clinic within an academic tertiary care center between 2007 and mid-2012.\n\n\nRESULTS\nEighty-one patients were diagnosed with 491 total premalignant and malignant skin lesions. A considerable proportion of patients diagnosed with NMSC were referred for benign skin conditions such as rash or acne.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nThese results indicate that some SOTRs referred to dermatology for benign skin disorders are incidentally diagnosed with cutaneous malignancies; this is concerning given that referrals for benign skin conditions may delay appropriate care for cutaneous malignancies and preventative care. Better risk stratification, improved interdisciplinary collaboration, and prompt referrals for dermatologic care are needed in the care of SOTRs.