ABSTRACT
Patients with malignant diseases are susceptible to a variety of dermatologic complications. Antitumor agents can cause dermatologic effects either as a result of local extravasation of vesicant agents or as a result of systemic effects. Because most patients are given chemotherapy via vascular access devices, they are subject to complications such as localized infections, thrombophlebitis or, occasionally endocarditis with associated dermatologic manifestations. Skin hemorrhages develop in patients with thrombocytopenia, especially at sites of trauma. In patients with impaired host defenses, especially those with neutropenia, serious localized infections or dermatologic complications of systemic infections may develop. Primary and metastatic tumors may involve the skin. Occasionally, immunologic or allergic reactions and Sweet’s syndrome develop. This discussion focuses primarily on infectious complications. The effects of local extravasation and device-related complications are discussed elsewhere in this book.
