Book excerpt: Cutaneous manifestations of Internal Malignancy: Inherited Syndromes (Geno-dermatoses) & Paraneoplastic Syndromes.cutaneous manifestations Cutaneous markers can be classified into 2 major types: 1. Genetically determined syndromes with a cutaneous component (Genodermatoses) that predispose at risk individuals to develop cancer. · This group of genodermatoses is of particular importance because of the association of skin findings with the development of malignancies, both cutaneous and non-cutaneous. 2. Paraneoplastic syndromes which occur as a result of circulating factor(s) or presumed factors produced by the underlying cancer The skin often signals systemic changes. Some neoplastic diseases that affect internal organs may trigger several cutaneous manifestations. For diagnosis of the early stage of internal malignancy, paraneoplastic dermatoses are the most important among other skin change Although these dermatoses are relatively unusual, the recognition of some typical paraneoplastic dermatoses may lead to the early diagnosis of a neoplasm and determine a better prognosis. Paraneoplastic dermatoses may be defined as hormonal, neurological or hematological disturbances and as clinical and biochemical imbalances associated with the presence of malignancies without direct association with primary tumor invasion or metastasis. I have endeavored in this Booklet to discuss the paraneoplastic cutaneous manifestations strongly associated with neoplasms, which include: · Acanthosis nigricans maligna, · Tripe palms, · Erythema gyratum repens, · Bazex syndrome, · Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa, · Necrolytic migratory erythema, · Leser-Trélat sign and · Paraneoplastic pemphigus. An attempt has been made to review the clinical manifestations of each condition and include updated knowledge on disease pathogenesis along with plenty of illustrations. …Dr. H. K. Saboowala. M.B.(Bom) .M.R.S.H.(London)