Treatment of gastric cancer with dermatomyositis as the initial symptom: Two case reports and review of literature

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare autoimmune disease involving the connective tissue. The association between DM and gastric cancer remains unclear. Patients with DM have an increased risk of cancer and higher mortality. It requires immunosuppressive therapy, heightened surveillance, and immunologic response to internal malignancy.

CASE SUMMARY

Two cases of gastric cancer with DM as the first symptom in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (Shanghai, China) were reported. Two patients had a typical skin rash. The rash in the first patient involved mainly bilateral upper limbs and neck, while the second patient manifested rash associated mainly with the face, neck, and back. Both manifested muscle weakness in the extremities and elevated serum creatine kinase. Radical resection of the tumor dramatically improved DM-related symptoms in the two patients. The literature review showed that gastric cancer is more commonly associated with DM in middle-aged and older male populations.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest the need for comprehensive screening for malignant tumors in patients with DM refractory to long-term pharmacotherapy or hormone manipulation.

Keywords: Gastric cancer; Dermatomyositis; Treatment; Literature review; Rash; Case report

Core Tip: Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease. Limited knowledge of the relationship between the disease and gastric cancer may complicate the diagnosis of gastric cancer. In this study, we report 2 cases of gastric cancer with dermatomyositis as the first symptom. A literature review was performed to further explore the relationship between dermatomyositis and gastric cancer.