Abstract
We report three patients who developed unusually aggressive squamous cell carcinomas after receiving long-term azathioprine treatment for dermatological disorders. Two patients gave a history suggestive of moderate to excessive sun exposure, and the third suffered from chronic actinic dermatitis. Hence, ultraviolet light damage may have been a significant cofactor in the development of these malignancies. Careful follow-up is necessary in patients who are taking azathioprine long term, and who have previously been excessively exposed to ultraviolet light (UVL), or in whom future exposure is likely to be excessive. We suggest that strict sun avoidance measures are followed by patients on long-term azathioprine, or that alternatives to azathioprine therapy are considered, especially in individuals inherently at risk of UVL damage, and in those already showing clinical signs of such damage.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
