Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Risk Is Especially High in Organ Transplant Recipients

Organ transplant recipients have an increased risk of developing aggressive skin cancer, according to research presented at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 2018 Summer Meeting in Chicago, Illinois.

Board-certified dermatologist Christina Lee Chung, MD, FAAD, former director of the Drexel Dermatology Center for Transplant Patients in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, discussed this risk in her presentation at the AAD Meeting.

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“Individuals who receive organ transplants need to take immunosuppressive medications for the rest of their lives, and this makes it more difficult for their bodies to fight disease, including skin cancer,” Dr Chung said in a press release.

The risk for skin cancer is especially high in organ transplant recipients with the following risk factors:

  • Fairer skin (especially in patients of Caucasian or Asian race)
  • Male gender
  • History of skin cancer prior to transplantation
  • Underwent organ transplantation at age 50 years or older
  • Received a lung or heart transplant

In addition, Latino and black transplant recipients have higher odds of developing skin cancer in areas that are protected from the sun. Black patients have a notably high risk for human papillomavirus-related cancers.

Although more research is needed to ascertain skin cancer risk factors in patients with darker skin tones, preliminary findings have indicated that this risk may be higher in patients with darker skin tones and the following risk factors:

  • History of warts and/or sexually-transmitted infections
  • Emigration to the US from a country near the equator
  • History of medical conditions requiring immunosuppressive medications to be taken prior to transplantation

The AAD continues to recommend that all patients adapt a comprehensive sun protection plan involving seeking shade; wearing protective clothing; using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher; and conducting regular skin cancer self-exams.

“In addition to taking action toward skin cancer prevention and detection, organ transplant patients also should establish a relationship with a board-certified dermatologist after their procedure,” said Dr Chung.

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Organ transplant patients have increased skin cancer risk [press release]. Chicago, IL. American Academy of Dermatology. July 26, 2018. https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/skin-cancer-in-organ-transplant-patients Accessed on July 26, 2016.