Malignant Down

Abstract

Background:

Skin changes often signal systemic disease. Hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita (HLA) is a well-recognized symptom of internal malignancy defined as the adult onset of colourless, fine, lanugo-type hairs. To our knowledge, only 5 cases of HLA associated with endometrial malignancy have been reported in the literature.

Objective:

The objective of this report is to describe the clinical presentation of a patient with HLA associated with endometrial adenocarcinoma.

Methods:

We report a patient presenting with atypical lanugo and weight loss who was diagnosed with HLA associated with endometrial adenocarcinoma. We summarize and critically review the 5 other known cases of endometrial malignancy associated with HLA reported in the literature.

Results:

The ectopic adult development of lanugo hair led to the diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis was made following computed tomography imaging and was confirmed by biopsy.

Conclusion:

Continued vigilance and reporting of HLA will increase identification and understanding of this rare paraneoplastic condition. Family physicians should be aware of HLA.