Associations between rheumatoid arthritis and malignancy

Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2004 May;30(2):271-84, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2004.01.007.

Abstract

There are many complex associations between rheumatoid arthritis(RA) and malignancy. Patients with rheumatic diseases on the whole appear to be at increased risk for the development of certain malignancies. The data from several studies are persuasive that the presence of RA conveys an increased risk for the development of lymphoproliferative disorders and may convey a decreased risk for the development of malignancies of the digestive tract. Understanding the complex interrelationships between RA and malignancy will lead to more accurate diagnosis of underlying pathology, more effective treatment of symptoms and underlying disease, and appropriate surveillance for the development of later complications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / adverse effects
  • Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Neoplasms / complications*
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / diagnosis*
  • Risk

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Immunologic Factors