Mucocutaneous reactions to chemotherapy

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999 Mar;40(3):367-98; quiz 399-400. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(99)70488-3.

Abstract

Chemotherapeutic agents are a widely used treatment modality. Side effects range from common to unusual and may be confused with other cutaneous sequelae of oncologic treatment. The goal of this communication is to elaborate on previous descriptions of the cutaneous manifestations of chemotherapeutic treatment and to discuss more recent findings.

Learning objective: At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants should be able to generate a differential diagnosis of possible etiologies for varying patterns of cutaneous involvement in patients receiving chemotherapy and identify the various cutaneous side effects of chemotherapeutic treatment. In addition, they should be able to distinguish life-threatening side effects that require immediate management from more benign manifestations of chemotherapeutic treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / complications
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / chemically induced
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Metaplasia / chemically induced
  • Mucous Membrane / drug effects
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / adverse effects
  • Skin / drug effects*
  • Skin Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Stomatitis / chemically induced
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents