Dermatomyositis has an increased risk of malignancy. Which statement best reflects this association?

Dermatomyositis has an increased risk of malignancy. Which statement best reflects this association?

• A. It is associated with an increased risk of cancer
• B. It is not associated with cancer
• C. The cancer risk is lower than the general population
• D. The cancer risk is limited to males

Answer: (A)

Dermatomyositis is associated with an increased risk of malignancy. This inflammatory condition often acts as a paraneoplastic phenomenon, with cancers presenting at diagnosis or within the next few years. The cancer risk is higher than in the general population and affects both sexes, with certain cancers more common in women (like ovarian) and others in men (such as lung or colorectal). Because of this, cancer screening is recommended at diagnosis and continued over time. So, describing an increased cancer risk accurately reflects the relationship. The other statements contradict established data, since there is indeed an association, and the risk is not limited to males or lower than the general population.

Dermatomyositis is associated with an increased risk of malignancy. This inflammatory condition often acts as a paraneoplastic phenomenon, with cancers presenting at diagnosis or within the next few years. The cancer risk is higher than in the general population and affects both sexes, with certain cancers more common in women (like ovarian) and others in men (such as lung or colorectal). Because of this, cancer screening is recommended at diagnosis and continued over time. So, describing an increased cancer risk accurately reflects the relationship. The other statements contradict established data, since there is indeed an association, and the risk is not limited to males or lower than the general population.