Management of Skin Cancer in Solid-organ Transplant Recipients: A Multidisciplinary Approach

• Published in: Dermatologic clinics Vol. 29; no. 2; pp. 231 - 241
• Main Authors: Greenberg, Judah N., MD, Zwald, Fiona O., MD, MRCPI
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-04-2011
• Subjects: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - epidemiology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - surgery; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - therapy; Combined Modality Therapy; Dermatology; Humans; Immunosuppression; Immunosuppression - adverse effects; Incidence; Multidisciplinary clinic; Organ Transplantation - statistics & numerical data; Risk Factors; Skin cancer; Skin Neoplasms - epidemiology; Skin Neoplasms - surgery; Skin Neoplasms - therapy; Solid-organ transplant; Multidisciplinary clinic; Immunosuppression; Solid-organ transplant; Skin cancer
• ISSN: 0733-8635; 1558-0520
• DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2011.02.004

Solid-organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for the development of skin cancers. A promising strategy for managing these complex patients involves a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates clinicians from various specialties, which provides the optimal milieu for patient education, treatment, and follow-up. The multidisciplinary clinic also facilitates communication between dermatologists and transplant physicians regarding such crucial concerns as revision of immunosuppression. This article reviews the problem of skin cancer in solid-organ transplant recipients, outlines preventive measures, discusses therapeutic modalities, and reinforces the advantage of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of this population.