What does the Leser-Trélat sign indicate in a patient?

What does the Leser-Trélat sign indicate in a patient?

• A. Gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma
• B. Hepatic carcinoma
• C. Squamous cell lung cancer
• D. Breast cancer

Answer: (A)

The Leser-Trélat sign is classically associated with the rapid development of multiple seborrheic keratoses, which may indicate an underlying malignancy, most commonly gastric adenocarcinoma, particularly of the intestinal type. This sign represents a paraneoplastic syndrome where the production of epidermal growth factor-like substances from the tumor results in skin changes. In the context of the choices presented, the link between the Leser-Trélat sign and gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma comes from its established clinical correlation. Patients who demonstrate this sign typically have a sudden eruption of seborrheic keratoses, which should raise suspicion for an underlying gastric malignancy. While other cancers can lead to skin manifestations, the Leser-Trélat sign specifically points towards gastric adenocarcinoma, making it an important clinical indicator for physicians when they encounter such skin changes in patients.

The Leser-Trélat sign is classically associated with the rapid development of multiple seborrheic keratoses, which may indicate an underlying malignancy, most commonly gastric adenocarcinoma, particularly of the intestinal type. This sign represents a paraneoplastic syndrome where the production of epidermal growth factor-like substances from the tumor results in skin changes.

In the context of the choices presented, the link between the Leser-Trélat sign and gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma comes from its established clinical correlation. Patients who demonstrate this sign typically have a sudden eruption of seborrheic keratoses, which should raise suspicion for an underlying gastric malignancy.

While other cancers can lead to skin manifestations, the Leser-Trélat sign specifically points towards gastric adenocarcinoma, making it an important clinical indicator for physicians when they encounter such skin changes in patients.