Is it common to develop nonmelanoma skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, after a multiple myeloma diagnosis?
Two and a half years after my multiple myeloma diagnosis, I started to develop blister type patches on my skin that bled easily if rubbed.
I will be seeking medical attention to remove it, but I was wondering how often it occurs among people with multiple myeloma.
/Bob D
Forums
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Bob_D - Name: Bob_D
- Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: March 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 59
Re: Nonmelanoma skin cancer & multiple myeloma
Hi Bob,
In general, immunocompromised patients such as those with myeloma are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer. See this article:
Robinson, AA, et al, "Risk of skin cancer in multiple myeloma patients: a retrospective cohort study," European Journal of Haematology, Nov 2016 (abstract)
Also, have you ever been on Revlimid? My specialist mentioned to me that he has seen more patients with skin cancer that are on Revlimid. See these articles for discussions on the matter:
van de Donk, NWCJ, et al, "Lenalidomide for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma," Cancer Management and Research, Aug 2012 (full text of article)
"FDA Issues Extensive Update About Revlimid And Second Cancers," The Myeloma Beacon, May 7, 2012
In general, immunocompromised patients such as those with myeloma are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer. See this article:
Robinson, AA, et al, "Risk of skin cancer in multiple myeloma patients: a retrospective cohort study," European Journal of Haematology, Nov 2016 (abstract)
Also, have you ever been on Revlimid? My specialist mentioned to me that he has seen more patients with skin cancer that are on Revlimid. See these articles for discussions on the matter:
van de Donk, NWCJ, et al, "Lenalidomide for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma," Cancer Management and Research, Aug 2012 (full text of article)
"FDA Issues Extensive Update About Revlimid And Second Cancers," The Myeloma Beacon, May 7, 2012
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Multibilly - Name: Multibilly
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Smoldering, Nov, 2012
Re: Nonmelanoma skin cancer & multiple myeloma
I had a small non-melanoma skin cancer on my cheekbone before my first round of treatment.
After two weeks of Revlimid and a week off, I had a major allergic reaction to the Revlimid at the start of the next round. My arms and head swelled up and turned dark red, and a rash spread down my abdomen.
In the meantime, my little skin cancer lifted up and changed appearance, with a white flaky edge.
About two weeks after the redness and swelling went down, I realized that the skin cancer seems to be completely gone.
So there's another mysterious myeloma quirk!
After two weeks of Revlimid and a week off, I had a major allergic reaction to the Revlimid at the start of the next round. My arms and head swelled up and turned dark red, and a rash spread down my abdomen.
In the meantime, my little skin cancer lifted up and changed appearance, with a white flaky edge.
About two weeks after the redness and swelling went down, I realized that the skin cancer seems to be completely gone.
So there's another mysterious myeloma quirk!
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Pepperink - Name: Jimmie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June 16, 2017
- Age at diagnosis: 66
Re: Nonmelanoma skin cancer & multiple myeloma
I developed a squamous cell lesion on my scalp after being diagnosed with myeloma. It developed about a year after having my stem cell transplant and induction with Revlimid. I wasn't on maintenance. I had Mohs surgery to remove it and haven't had any problems since then (about 5 years ago).
Nancy in Phila
Nancy in Phila
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NStewart - Name: Nancy Stewart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/08
- Age at diagnosis: 60
Re: Nonmelanoma skin cancer & multiple myeloma
Yes, it is very common to get skin cancer. My husband goes every 4 months to be checked. HI doctor always finds 2-3 pre-cancers or cancers to be treated.
Re: Nonmelanoma skin cancer & multiple myeloma
Yup, my dad had non-melanoma skin cancer 10 months before he was hospitalized to remove a plasmacytoma from his vertebrae.
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Little Monkey - Name: Little Monkey
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Father-stage 1 multiple myeloma
- When were you/they diagnosed?: March/April of 2015
Re: Nonmelanoma skin cancer & multiple myeloma
Squamous cell carcenoma on my scalp was removed by Mohs surgery a few months after stopping Revlimid maintenance. Several pre-cancerous growths were removed from my scalp at that time and several appear to have returned. I did have a melanoma mole removed in 1980 so my chances of recurring skin cancer may also be higher due to that as well.
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Meatwheel - Name: Brian
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 64
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