Acanthosis nigricans
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223047859
2008-07-02T10:01:00Z
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{{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]]