Hypertrichosis lanuginosa is an obligatory paraneoplastic process characterized by excessive hair growth of the skin due to accelerated growth of vellus hairs resembling the lanugo hair of newborns. ICD-10 Code: L68.9.
This is a rare condition that occurs mainly in people between the ages of 40 and 70, mostly in women.The disease manifests with sudden excessive hair growth of the skin, mainly localized on the forehead, cheeks, limbs, chest and abdomen. The growing hairs are very thin, usually hypopigmented, and resemble the lanugo hairs of newborns. By the time hypertrichosis becomes apparent, the oncological process has already metastasized in most patients.
Patients often present with general symptoms of intoxication, such as weight loss, malaise, etc. In women, the most common malignancy associated with hypertrichosis is colorectal cancer, while lung and breast cancer are less commonly diagnosed. In men, acquired hypertrichosis typically develops in association with lung or colon cancer.
- Metabolic and endocrine disorders
- side effects of medications (corticosteroids, penicillamine, phenytoin, streptomycin, etc.)
No specific treatment has been developed for this condition. After tumor removal, hypertrichosis usually resolves within a few months. Recurrence of the tumor is accompanied by renewed excessive hair growth.