Skin Cancer In Solid Organtransplant Recipients

A long-term immunosuppression for solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) is associated with the increased risk for development of malignancies, especially skin cancer. The incidence of cutaneous malignancies in SOTRs is significantly higher compared to the general population. Non-melanoma skin cancer, primarily squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas, account for 90% of all cutaneous malignancies diagnosed in SOTRs. Other types of skin malignancies associated with long-term immunosuppression include melanoma, Kaposi sarcoma, Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous T and B cell lymphomas. As the life expectancy of SOTRs has increased in recent years, skin cancer is becoming a major source of morbidity and mortality in this population. However, there is still a lack of information regarding the surveillance and treatment of these patients. In his review, we provide the latest data concerning epidemiology, risk factors, prevention and management of skin cancer in SOTRs.