Malignancy and Cancer Treatment-Related Hair and Nail Changes

November 2007 in “ Dermatologic Clinics ”

Ginette A. Hinds, Valencia D. Thomas

chemotherapy radiation cytotoxic effects paraneoplastic hair changes Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa Alopecia neoplastica Anagen effluvium

TLDR Hair and nail changes can indicate health issues, including cancer and side effects from cancer treatments.

The document from 2008 highlights that hair and nail changes can serve as important indicators of a patient's health, especially in the context of cancer and its treatments. It outlines that while many nail changes are nonspecific, they can still be linked to internal malignancies. The paper details the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiation on hair and nails, attributing these to cytotoxic effects or direct radiation damage. It provides a comprehensive overview of paraneoplastic hair changes, such as Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa and Alopecia neoplastica, and their connections to various cancers. The document also discusses treatment-related hair disorders like Anagen effluvium and changes in hair color and texture. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing these changes for the early diagnosis of occult malignancy and for monitoring patient health, noting that while they may seem cosmetic, they can be symptomatic of more serious conditions.

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