Severe Psoriaisis could lead to a couple forms of

I just read an article from the National Psoriasis Foundation, that states that those who suffer from"severe" psoriasis have a higher risk of skin cancer, in particular squamous cell carcinoma, and lymphoma, a cancer that affects the immune system. They are finding a higher rate of these cancers in severe psoriatic patients. There is some controversy over lymphoma, granted there are studies, like the one published in JAAD that have linked risk of lymphoma in patients with severe psoriasis, the actual cause of the cancer reamins unclear. There are 2 theories as to the causes of psoriatic patients getting cancer out there; the first is that the newer treatments that suppress the immune system may be independent risk factors for developing malignances. The second theory is the combination of iimmuosuppressants and the disease itself may lead to the increased rate. There are some studies that show that biologics used to treat psoriasis might be linked to lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma being side effects of the drugs. TNF Blockers do stop the destruction of joint damage but they may also help with the side effect of lymphoma. AS the article stated we must be vigilante in keeping up to date on the studies that are being done on psoriasis, the treatment of it and the side effects of the drugs we take to keep it under control. I am doing well with my regiment at this time, I am keeping my lab appointments, and discussing all my optioins with my dr. I am doing better with the meds I am on and I hope things will continue getting better. But we do need to remember that we are ones that make the decision as to whether or not we are going to take the drugs to help us, not the dr, not our families,etc. it is only US! so it is important that we do read the articles out there, that we do keep up to date on the studies, the dr can suggest a drug but we are the ones who make the final decision as to whether or not we are are going to take the med so we must be vigilant in being informed. Take care everyone I hope this helps someone out there. mmeme

Edited by meme - 20 September 2011 at 3:39pm