Paraneoplastic pemphigus associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

Abstract

Abstract Background Paraneoplastic pemphigus is an autoimmune skin and mucosal disorder, rarely associated with solid malignancies, with devastating impact. Patients and methods Herein, we report the case of a middle-aged patient who presented with recalcitrant stomatitis and was ultimately diagnosed with advanced-stage cervical cancer. Results Despite the prompt initiation of immunosuppressive medications, in parallel with systemic therapy for her underlying neoplasm, she eventually died within 10 months. Conclusions Considering its heterogeneous clinicopathological and immunological manifestations, paraneoplastic pemphigus remains a genuine diagnostic challenge, whereas its abysmal prognosis highlights the need of additional effective immunosuppressants.