Beauvais disease, also known as acrokeratosis paraneoplastica or Bazex syndrome, is a rare dermatological condition characterized by the presence of skin lesions and specific symptoms associated with various underlying malignancies, most commonly head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or other types of cancer.
The disease is named after the French dermatologist Philippe-Auguste Beauvais, who first described it in 1916. It primarily affects elderly individuals and is often associated with a poor prognosis due to the underlying malignancy.
The primary clinical manifestation of Beauvais disease consists of scaly, well-defined, reddish-brown patches or plaques that typically occur on the hands, feet, nose, ears, and other acral areas of the body. These skin lesions are often accompanied by other cutaneous manifestations, including thickened nails, brittle hair, and abnormal growth patterns.
Furthermore, patients with Beauvais disease may experience systemic symptoms such as weight loss, fevers, and fatigue. The skin manifestations develop as a paraneoplastic syndrome, meaning they arise as a result of the body's immune response to an underlying cancer rather than the direct effects of the tumor.
Given the association between Beauvais disease and malignancies, prompt identification and diagnosis are crucial. Patients often require a comprehensive medical evaluation to identify and treat the underlying cancer, as well as appropriate management of the associated dermatologic symptoms. Treatment options may include surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the type, stage, and location of the cancer.
