Skin cancer in transplant recipients

Patients who have received an organ transplant have a higher risk for developing skin cancers, in some cases up to 65 times the risk, compared with non-transplant patients. In particular, transplant recipients have a significantly increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinomas, as well as increased risk for other types of skin cancers, such as melanoma. Preventative measures, early detection, and appropriate treatment of skin cancers is essential to minimise the harm caused by these cancers.

Why are Transplant Patients at higher risk?

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is the major factor in the development of skin cancers in both transplant and non-transplant patients. Transplant patients require the long-term use of immunosuppressant medications to prevent organ rejection but they impair the capacity of the immune system to repair or destroy UV damaged cells, allowing damaged cells to develop into cancers. It is also possible that the immunosuppressant medications directly cause cancer generating changes in cells. Additionally, human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes warts, may also be involved in the development skin cancers in transplant recipients.

Who is at the highest risk?

Patients who have been receiving immunosuppressant medications for longer periods of time tend to have the highest incidence of skin cancers. Other risk factors include:

• Older age (possibly due to greater cumulative sun exposure)
• History of skin cancers or pre-cancerous lesions before the transplant
• Fair skin (Fitzpatrick skin type I-III)
• History of significant UV exposure from sun or sunbeds
• Infection with the HPV (wart) virus
• Low CD4 cell counts
• Heart and/or lung transplant recipients (who tend to have higher levels of immunosuppressant medication)

Preventing skin cancer in transplant patients

Being sun-smart is absolutely vital for transplant patients. The incidence of skin cancers may be greatly reduced by following preventative measures, including:

• Always wear sunscreen

  Sunscreen should be rated SPF30+, and should be broad spectrum (blocking both UVA and UVB radiation). You should apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside and then again immediately before going outside. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied regularly during the day (2-hourly in sunny weather, otherwise 3 to 4-hourly). Daily application to the face and hands regardless of your intended activities should be considered.

• Avoid sun exposure

  This is especially important during the middle of the day, between 11am and 4pm, when UV radiation levels are at their highest. If you are outdoors during these times, stay in the shade.

• Cover up well

  Wear with long sleeved shirts and pants. Dark coloured, tightly woven material provides the most UV protection. If possible try to wear sun protective clothing that has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of 40-50+.

• Always wear a hat when outdoors

  Choose a hat with tightly woven material that shades your face, nose, neck and ears.

• Wear sunglasses

  Sunglasses provide the best protection to the delicate skin around the eyes. Choose glasses that are close fitting with large lenses. Wrap around style glasses provide the best protection.

Detecting Skin Cancers

Early detection and treatment of cancerous and pre-cancerous skin lesions is essential to minimise the harm caused by skin cancers. Transplant patients should perform a skin self examination every month , concentrating particularly on areas that are normally most exposed to sunlight, such as the backs of the hands, forearms, head and neck, upper chest and back and, in women, the lower legs. They should report any new lesions to their dermatologist.

Recognising Skin Cancers

Examples of some of the common skin cancers in transplant recipients are illustrated below.

Squamous cell carcinoma

• Raised, crusting non-healing sore or lump
• Vary in size from few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter
• Can grow rapidly within a few weeks

More information about squamous cell carcinoma..

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC in transplant patient

Lip cancer

SCC in situ

Basal Cell Carcinoma

• Pale red or pearly smooth lump; often on the head or neck
• Pink scaly patches; more often on trunk and limbs
• Usually slow growing

More information about basal cell carcinoma...

Basal Cell carcinoma (BCC)

Cystic BCC

Superficial BCC

Superficial BCC

Melanoma

• New mole or freckle, or an existing mole that is changing in shape or size
• Often has irregular edges with multiple colours (red, tan, black, brown etc) within the spot

More information about melanoma...

Melanoma

Nodular melanoma

Superficial spreading melanoma

Lentigo maligna melanoma

Solar Keratoses

• Rough, scaly spots
• Usually flat
• Not cancerous but can develop into squamous cell carcinomas

More information about solar keratoses ...

Solar keratoses in transplant patients

If you develop any rapidly growing lesions, then it is important that you bring them to your dermatologist's or doctor's attention as soon as possible

Treating Skin Cancers in Transplant Patients

Skin cancers are often very aggressive in transplant patients, and are associated with a high risk of metastases (spreading) and recurrence. It is important that any skin cancer is treated at an early stage to minimise this risk. Most skin cancers in transplant patients are treated by surgical excision or Mohs micrographic surgery. Surgery allows the specimen to be examined by the pathologist to ensure that the cancer has been completely removed. In some cases further surgery or radiotherapy may be required. Occasionally, some lower-risk skin cancers, such as. small tumours on the trunk, may be treated with electrodessication and curettage.

Solar keratoses and warty lesions should also be treated aggressively to try to minimise the risk of these areas developing into squamous cell carcinomas. Treatments for these may include:

• Cryosurgery
• Electrodessication and curettage
• Topical 5-fluorouracil (Efudix™)
• Topical imiquimod (Aldara™)

Transplant recipients who have high risk squamous cell carcinomas or who develop many squamous cell carcinomas within a year (usually more than 5 lesions per annum), may be commenced on an oral retinoid such as acitretin or isotretinoin. These medications have been shown to reduce the number of new skin cancers that develop, however they are only effective whilst they are being taken. When the retinoid treatment is stopped, the rate at which skin cancers develop returns to pre-treatment levels.

Reducing the levels of immunosuppressive medications may be considered for some patients with potentially life-threatening skin cancers. This might improve the outcome from the skin cancer, by allowing the immune system to fight the cancer cells. As there are risks associated with reducing immunosuppression, this is only carried out in close collaboration with the transplant physician and after careful discussion of the potential risks and benefits with the patient.