In addition to lesions in the typical above-the-neck locations, patients with generalized discoid lupus often have lesions on the thorax and the arms. These patients are often bald, with abnormal skin pigment on their scalp, and have severe scarring of the face and arms. Patients with generalized discoid lupus often have abnormal lab tests, such as an elevated ESR or a low white blood cell count. They also often have auto-antibodies, such as ANA or anti-ssDNA antibody. Childhood
When patients develop discoid lupus in childhood, it differs from typical discoid lupus in several ways. Boys and girls are equally affected, and these patients later develop SLE more often. These patients also typically do not have any abnormal sensitivity to the sun. Special types of discoid lupus lesions
Hypertrophic lupus
Some experts consider hypertrophic lupus erythematosus—which consists of lesions covered by a very thick, keratin-filled scale—an unusual subset of discoid lupus. Others consider it a distinct entity. Lupus profundus
If a patient has discoid lupus lesions on top of lupus panniculitis, they have lupus profundus. These patients have firm, nontender nodules with defined borders underneath their discoid lupus lesions. Systemic lupus erythematosus with discoid lupus lesions
In general, patients with discoid lupus who have only skin disease and no systemic symptoms have a genetically distinct disease from patients with SLE. However, 25% of patients with SLE get discoid lupus lesions at some point as part of their disease.
Such treatment is not expected to be curative, but can extend the lives of patients. Some patients may be cured through Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, but the procedure entails a high degree of risk for morbidity or death. References
External links
Carcinosis entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms