$Unique_ID{BRK01014}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{Is Pemphigus Infectious and Does it Turn Into Cancer?}
$Subject{pemphigus immune system treatment}
$Volume{L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Pemphigus Infectious and Does it Turn Into Cancer?


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QUESTION:  A close member of our family has a skin disease now diagnosed as
pemphigus.  They have put him in the hospital for treatment, but we have not
been given much information.  Can you please tell us about the disease, and is
it infectious, and does it turn into cancer?

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ANSWER:  Your two concerns can be answered with a single "No", as pemphigus is
neither an infectious disease nor one that becomes cancerous.  It is a disease
of the immune system, characterized by skin lesions that look like large
blisters.  In fact, the name comes from the Greek word meaning "to blister",
and Hippocrates himself originally named the disease.  Today the term is
applied to several forms of pemphigus, which may be identified by a biopsy, a
technique that uses a small sample of tissue, which is then examined under the
microscope, providing a diagnosis of the exact form of the disease.  The
disease is seen most frequently after the age of 40, rarely in children, and
affects both sexes equally.  Its incidence is higher in people of Jewish
descent.  Early diagnosis is important and the disease is treated with high
levels of corticosteroids, which in serious cases, may require
hospitalization.  The response is usually good, but this is a serious disease
that, if not treated adequately, may be potentially fatal.  I hope your
relative will recover with the treatment being afforded him.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
