Acanthosis nigricans 729741 223047859 2008-07-02T10:01:00Z DOI bot 6652755 Citation maintenance. Formatted: title. You can [[WP:DOI|use this bot]] yourself! Please [[User:DOI_bot/bugs|report any bugs]]. {{Refimprove|date=November 2007}} {{Infobox_Disease | Name = {{PAGENAME}} | Image = Acanthosis Nigricans-A.jpg| Caption = | DiseasesDB = 58 | ICD10 = {{ICD10|L|83||l|80}} | ICD9 = {{ICD9|701.2}} | ICDO = | OMIM = 100600 | MedlinePlus = 000852 | eMedicineSubj = derm | eMedicineTopic = 1 | MeshName = Acanthosis+Nigricans | MeshNumber = C17.800.621.430.530.100 | }} '''Acanthosis nigricans''' is a brown to black, poorly defined, velvety [[hyperpigmentation]] of the [[skin]], usually present in the posterior and lateral folds of the [[neck]], the [[axilla]], [[groin]], [[navel|umbilicus]], and other areas. ==Causes== This occurs due to [[insulin]] spillover (from excessive production due to obesity or [[insulin resistance]]) into the skin which results in abnormal growth being observed. The most common cause would be [[insulin resistance]], usually from type 2 [[diabetes mellitus]]. Other causes are [[familial]], [[obesity]], [[Medication|drug-induced]], [[malignant]] ([[gastric cancer]]), [[idiopathic]], and [[Polycystic ovary syndrome]]. In the context of a malignant disease, Acanthosis nigricans is a paraneoplastic syndrome and is then commonly referred to as Acanthosis nigricans maligna. Involvement of mucous membranes is rare and suggests a coexisting malignant condition.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Schnopp C, Baumstark J | title = Oral acanthosis nigricans | journal = N Engl J Med | volume = 357 | issue = 9 | pages = e10 | year = 2007 | pmid = 17761587 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMicm062917}}</ref> ==Signs and Tests== Physicians can usually diagnose acanthosis nigricans by simply looking at a patient's skin. A skin biopsy may be needed in unusual cases. If no clear cause of acanthosis nigricans is obvious, it may be necessary to search for one. Blood tests, an [[endoscopy]], or [[x-ray]]s may be required to eliminate the possibility of [[diabetes]] or [[cancer]] as the cause. ==Treatment== People with acanthosis nigricans should be screened for [[diabetes mellitus|diabetes]] and, although rare, [[cancer]]. Controlling [[blood glucose]] levels through exercise and diet often improves symptoms. ==Prognosis== Acanthosis nigricans often fades if the underlying cause can be determined and treated appropriately. ==External links== * [http://tray.dermatology.uiowa.edu/AcanNigr01.htm Photo - neck] * [http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/acanthosis_nigrica.html AOCD] * {{Chorus|00001}} ==References== {{Reflist}} {{Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue}} [[Category:Dermatology]] [[Category:Medical signs]] [[Category:Medical conditions related to obesity]] {{dermatology-stub}} [[de:Akanthose]] [[es:Acantosis nigricans]] [[fr:Acanthosis nigricans]] [[it:Acantosi nigricans]] [[nl:Acanthosis nigricans]] [[pl:Acanthosis nigricans]] [[pt:Acantose nigricans]] [[sr:Акантоза]]