# Dermatomyositis as a Paraneoplastic Syndrome in Cases of Aggressive Cervical Cancer

**Authors:** Kandace Williams, Maria Carmona-Gonzalez

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.79838 · Cureus · 2025-02-28

## TL;DR

This paper discusses a case where dermatomyositis was linked to aggressive cervical cancer, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in the specific case study linking rapid progression of dermatomyositis with invasive cervical cancer.

## Key findings

- Dermatomyositis was diagnosed alongside invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix in a female patient.
- The case highlights the correlation between dermatomyositis and underlying malignancy.
- Timely treatment and screening are emphasized to improve patient outcomes.

## Abstract

Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory myopathy characterized by proximal muscle weakness with concurrent cutaneous manifestations. Diagnosis is often made by the clinical presentation in conjunction with elevated muscle enzymes, serology, electromyogram findings, and muscle biopsy. Dermatomyositis is frequently complicated due to its known correlation with underlying malignancy, even if not diagnosed at the time of presentation. Timely treatment and screening strategies can help to improve patient outcomes and both quality and quantity of life. In this study, we describe a female diagnosed with dermatomyositis who unfortunately had rapid progression and development of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** dermatomyositis (MONDO:0016367)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Dermatomyositis (MESH:D003882), inflammatory myopathy (MESH:D009220), squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix (MESH:D002294), Paraneoplastic Syndrome (MESH:D010257), Cervical Cancer (MESH:D002583), muscle weakness (MESH:D018908), malignancy (MESH:D009369)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

10 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11955216/full.md

## References

14 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11955216/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11955216